Differential Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle)

Differential Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle)

Tools Required

J 24429 Side Bearing Backlash Spanner


Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement (Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement) .
3. Remove the rear axle housing cover and the gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) (Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle))Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement (8.6/9.5 LD Axle) (Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement (8.6/9.5 LD Axle)) .




4. Remove the differential bearing adjuster nut retainers.




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

6. Loosen the adjusters using the J 24429 .




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 (Service and Repair) .
10. Remove the ring gear, if necessary. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) (Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle))Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6/9.5 Inch Axle LD) (Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6/9.5 Inch Axle LD)) .



Installation Procedure

1. Install the ring gear, if necessary. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) (Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle))Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6/9.5 Inch Axle LD) (Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6/9.5 Inch Axle LD)) .
2. Install the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement (Service and Repair) .
3. Lubricate the differential side bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .




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 Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) (Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle))Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (9.5 Inch LD Axle) ()Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) (Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle)) .
8. Adjust the backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) (Backlash Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle))Backlash Adjustment (9.5 LD Axle) ()Backlash Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) (Backlash Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle)) .
9. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection (Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection) .

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice .

10. Tighten the bearing cap bolts.

Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 185 N.m (136 lb ft) .

11. Install the axle shafts and new gaskets. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement (Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement) .
12. Install the rear axle housing cover and a new gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) (Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle))Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement (8.6/9.5 LD Axle) (Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement (8.6/9.5 LD Axle)) .
13. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
14. Remove the lower the vehicle.