Differential Replacement (9.75 Inch, 10.5 Inch Axles)
Differential Replacement (9.75 Inch, 10.5 Inch Axles)
Tools Required
J 24429 Side Bearing Backlash Spanner
Removal Procedure
Important: If you remove or replace the ring and pinion gear set, perform the differential side 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 assembly without replacing any other component (i.e. pinion and ring gear set, differential bearings. etc.) then you may reinstall the differential assembly with the original shims in their original locations. Always perform a gear tooth contact pattern check, even when you remove only the differential assembly.
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the axle shafts.
3. Remove the differential bearing adjuster nut lock bolts.
4. Remove the differential bearing adjuster nut locks.
5. Remove the differential bearing cap bolts.
6. Remove the differential bearing caps. Mark the differential bearing caps left and right.
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. Loosen the differential bearing adjusters using the J 24429 .
8. Remove the differential assembly and the differential bearing cups.
Mark the differential bearing cups left and right. Place the differential bearing cups with the differential bearing caps.
9. Remove the differential side bearings, if necessary.
10. Remove the ring gear, if necessary.
Installation Procedure
1. Install the ring gear, if necessary.
2. Install the differential side bearings, if necessary.
3. Lubricate the differential side bearings with the proper axle lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
4. Install the differential assembly, with the differential bearing cups installed, into the axle housing.
Support the differential assembly in order to keep the case from falling out of the axle housing.
5. Turn the adjusters evenly on each side using the J 24429 until snug against the differential.
6. Adjust the differential side bearing preload. Refer to Differential Side Bearing Preload Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) Differential Side Bearing Preload Adjustment (9.75 Inch, 10.5 Inch Axles) .
7. Adjust the drive pinion to ring gear backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) Backlash Adjustment (9.75 Inch, 10.5 Inch Axles) .
8. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check.
9. Install the differential bearing caps, if necessary.
10. Install the differential bearing cap bolts, if necessary.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice .
11. Tighten the differential bearing cap bolts.
Tighten the differential bearing cap bolts to 109 N.m (80 lb ft).
12. Install the differential bearing adjuster retainers.
13. Install the differential bearing adjuster retainer bolts.
Tighten the differential bearing adjuster retainer bolts to 13 N.m (10 lb ft).
14. For the 9.75 inch axle, install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
15. For the 10.5 inch axle, install the axle shafts and new axle shaft gaskets. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
16. Fill the axle with the proper axle lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (9.75 Inch, 10.5 Inch Axles) .
17. Lower the vehicle.