Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (11 Inch Axles)

Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (11 Inch Axle)

Removal Procedure

1. Raise the vehicle.
2. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement Service and Repair.
3. Remove the differential case assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement Service and Repair.
4. Remove the drive pinion yoke and the oil seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement Service and Repair.
5. Remove the thrust washer and the outer pinion bearing.
6. Remove the drive pinion from the axle using a soft-faced hammer.

Important: The location of the pinion preload shims may vary. The pinion preload shims may also be located on the backface of the outer pinion bearing or in the oil sump.

7. Remove the pinion preload shims from the drive pinion and set aside.
8. Remove the inner pinion bearing and the pinion position shim. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement Service and Repair.
9. Remove the ring gear bolts.

Discard the ring gear bolts.

Notice: Do not pry the ring gear from the differential case. Prying the ring gear from the differential case may cause damage to the ring gear and/or the differential case.

10. Remove the ring gear from the differential case assembly. Drive the gear off with a brass drift if necessary.

Installation Procedure

1. Determine the pinion position shim thickness and the pinion preload shim thickness for the drive pinion gear. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment Service and Repair.
2. Install the differential case assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement Service and Repair.
3. Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement Service and Repair.
4. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Lubricant Change Specifications.
5. Lower the vehicle.