General Information
8 1/4 AXLES8 1/4 Axle:
The 8 1/4 inch axle housings consist of a cast iron center section with axle shaft tubes extending from either side.
The tubes are pressed into and welded to the differential housing to form a one-piece axle housing.
The axles have a vent hose to relieve internal pressure caused by lubricant vaporization and internal expansion.
The axles are equipped with semi-floating axle shafts, meaning vehicle loads are supported by the axle shaft and bearings. The axle shafts are retained by C-clips in the differential side gears.
The removable, stamped steel cover provides a means for inspection and service without removing the complete axle from the vehicle.
The 8 1/4 axle have the assembly part number and gear ratio listed on tag. The tag is attached to the differential housing by a cover bolt.
The differential case is a one-piece design. The differential pinion mate shaft is retained with a threaded pin. Differential bearing preload and ring gear backlash are set and maintained by threaded adjusters at the outside of the differential housing. Pinion bearing preload is set and maintained by the use of a collapsible spacer.
Axles equipped with a Trac-Lok differential are optional. A Trac-Lok differential has a one-piece differential case, and the same internal components as a standard differential, plus two clutch disc packs.
AXLE IDENTIFICATION
Differential Cover 8 1/4 Inch Axle:
The axle differential cover can be used for identification of the axle. A tag is also attached to the cover.
LUBRICANT SPECIFICATIONS
Multi-purpose, hypoid gear lubricant should be used for rear axles with a standard differential. The lubricant should have a MIL-L-2105C and API GL 5 quality specifications.
Trac-Lok differentials require the addition of 4 oz. of friction modifier to the axle lubricant after service. The 8 1/4 axle lubricant capacity is 2.08 L (4.4 pts.) total, including the friction modifier, if necessary.
NOTE: If the rear axle is submerged in waiter, the lubricant must be replaced immediately. Avoid the possibility of premature axle failure resulting from water contamination of the lubricant.