Differential Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD Inch Axles)

Differential Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD Inch Axles)

^ Tools Required
- J 24429 Side Bearing Backlash Spanner

Removal Procedure

Important: Group and mark the shims together as originally removed. If you remove or replace the ring and pinion gear set, perform the bearing preload, backlash, and gear tooth contact pattern check in order to ensure proper contact of the gears. If you reinstall or replace the differential carrier without replacing any other component (i.e. pinion and ring gear set, bearings. etc.) then you may reinstall the carrier with the original shims in their original locations. Always perform a gear tooth contact pattern check, even when you remove only the carrier.

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the axle shafts.





3. Remove the differential bearing adjuster nut lock (9.5/9.5LD inch axle - right side).





4. Remove the bearing cap bolts.

Caution: Refer to Differential Case Removal Caution in Service Precautions.

5. Remove the bearing caps. Mark the bearing caps left and right.





6. For the 8.6 inch axle, install the pinion shaft into the differential case part way and rotate the differential assembly until the pinion shaft contact the top of the axle housing.

7. For the 8.6 inch axle, rotate the drive pinion clockwise in order to force the differential assembly out of the axle housing.

Notice: Refer to Differential Housing Cover and Gasket Removal Notice in Service Precautions.

8. For the 9.5/9.5LD inch axle, loosen the differential bearing adjuster nut using the J 24429.
9. Remove the differential assembly.
10. Remove the bearing cups, the shims, and the spacers as necessary. Mark the cups and shims left and right and in the proper order as necessary. Place the cups and the shims with the bearing caps.
11. Remove the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement.
12. Remove the ring gear, if necessary. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement.

Installation Procedure
1. Install the ring gear, if necessary. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement.
3. Lubricate the differential side bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid.





4. Place the case, with the bearing cups installed, into the axle housing. Support the case in order to keep the case from falling out of the axle housing.





5. Install the bearing caps and the bolts. Do not torque the bearing cap bolts at this time.
6. Adjust the differential side bearing preload.
7. Adjust the backlash.
8. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check.
9. Tighten the bearing cap bolts.
^ For the 8.6 inch axle, tighten the bearing cap bolts to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.)
^ For the 9.5/9.5LD inch axle, tighten the bearing cap bolts to 85 Nm (63 ft. lbs.)
10. Install the axle shafts.
11. Fill the axle with the proper lubricant.
12. Lower the vehicle.