8.6, 9.5, 11.5 Inch Axles
Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6 Inch, 9.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axles)^ Tools Required
- J 22536 Pinion Remover (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles)
- J 44421 Pinion Remover (11.5 inch axle)
Removal Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles).
3. Remove the brake calipers (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles).
4. Remove the brake rotors (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles).
5. Remove the axle shafts.
6. Remove the differential.
7. Remove the pinion yoke and the seal.
8. Install the J 22536 (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axle) or the J 44421 (11.5 inch axle) as shown.
Ensure that the J 22536 or the J 44421 is firmly seated on the pinion.
9. Drive the pinion out using the J 22536 (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axle) or the J 44421 (11.5 inch axle) and a hammer.
Strike the J 22536 or the J 44421 slowly. Do not let the pinion fall out of the rear axle housing.
10. Remove the collapsible spacer from the pinion.
Discard the spacer.
11. Remove the pinion bearings and the cups.
12. Remove the left handed threaded ring gear bolts. Discard the bolts.
Notice: Do not pry the ring gear from the case. This will damage the ring gear and the differential case.
13. Remove the ring gear from the differential. Drive the gear off with a brass drift if necessary.
Installation Procedure
Important: The mating surface of the ring gear and the differential case must be clean and free of burrs before installing the ring gear.
1. Install the ring gear to the differential case.
2. Install two threaded studs into the ring gear on opposite sides.
3. Place the ring gear on the case. Align the studs with the holes in the case.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
4. Install the new left-hand threaded ring gear bolts.
^ Tighten the ring gear bolts alternately and in stages, gradually pulling the ring gear onto the differential case.
^ For the 8.6 inch axle, tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 120 Nm (89 lb ft).
^ For the 9.5 inch axle, tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 140 Nm (103 lb ft).
^ For the 11.5 inch axle, tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 237 Nm (175 lb ft).
5. Install the pinion bearing cups.
6. Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion gear.
7. Install the selective shim onto the pinion.
8. Install the inner pinion bearing to the pinion.
9. Install a new collapsible spacer.
10. Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant.
11. Install the pinion to the axle housing.
12. Install the outer pinion bearing onto the pinion.
13. Install a new pinion oil seal and the pinion yoke.
14. Install the differential.
15. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check on the pinion and the ring gear.
16. Install the axle shafts.
17. Install the brake rotors (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axle).
18. Install the brake calipers (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axle).
19. Install the tire and wheel assemblies (8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axle).
20. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
21. Lower the vehicle.