Removal

Front Axle - 248FBI / DIFFERENTIAL
REMOVAL
1. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Remove lubricant fill hole plug from the differential housing cover.
3. Remove differential housing cover and drain the lubricant from the housing.
4. Clean the housing cavity with a flushing oil, light engine oil or lint free cloth. Do not use water, steam, kerosene or gasoline for cleaning.
5. Remove hub bearings and axle shafts.





6. Note the installation reference letters stamped on the bearing caps and housing machined sealing surface (Fig. 36).
7. Remove the differential bearing caps.





8. Position Spreader W-129-B with the tool dowel pins seated in the locating holes (Fig. 37).
9. Install the hold down clamps and tighten the spreader turnbuckle finger-tight.
10. Install Pilot Stud C-3288-B to the left side of the differential housing and attach dial indicator to the pilot stud. Load the indicator plunger against the opposite side of the housing (Fig. 37) and zero the dial indicator.
11. Spread the housing enough to remove the case from the housing. Measure the distance with the dial indicator (Fig. 37).

CAUTION: Never spread the housing over 0.50 mm (0.020 inch). If the housing is over-spread it could be distorted or damaged.

12. Remove the dial indicator.





13. Pry the differential case loose from the housing. To prevent damage, pivot on housing with the end of the pry bar against spreader (Fig. 38).
14. Remove the case from housing.
15. Remove and tag bearing cups to indicate their location.