Differential Replacement (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axle)

Differential Replacement (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axle)

^ Tools Required
- J 24429 Side Bearing Backlash Spanner

Removal Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the axle shafts.
3. Remove the rear axle housing cover and the gasket.





4. Remove the differential bearing adjuster nut retainers.





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

6. Loosen the adjusters using the J 24429.

Caution: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, support the differential case when removing the case from the axle housing. If the case is not supported, the differential case could fall and cause personal injury or damage to the differential case.

Notice: When removing the differential case from the axle housing, do not damage the cover gasket surface. If the cover gasket surface is damaged, lubricant may leak from the axle and cause premature failure of the axle assembly.





7. Remove the differential.
8. Remove the bearing cups. Mark the cups left and right. Place the cups with the bearing caps.
9. Remove the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement.
10. 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. Turn the adjusters evenly on each side using the J 24429 until snug against the differential.
7. Adjust the differential side bearing preload. Refer to Differential Side Bearing Preload Adjustment.
8. Adjust the backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment.
9. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection.

10. Tighten the bearing cap bolts.
^ Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 185 Nm (136 ft. lbs.) (10.5 inch axle).
^ Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 207 Nm (153 ft. lbs.) (11.5 inch axle).

Notice: Refer to Service Precautions.

11. Install the axle shafts and new gaskets.
12. Install the rear axle housing cover and a new gasket.
13. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
14. Lower the vehicle.