Differential Assembly

1. Raise and support rear of vehicle, then loosen axle housing cover bolts and allow lubricant to drain into a container.
2. Remove axle housing cover, then proceed as follows:
a. Wipe excess lubricant from inside axle housing, then visually inspect parts for wear and/or damage.
b. Rotate gears and check for roughness, indicating damaged bearings or gears.
c. Install dial indicator on axle housing cover flange, then check and record ring gear to drive pinion backlash.
3. Remove rear axles and propeller shaft. Refer to AXLES, DRIVESHAFTS/COMPONENT R&R/PROPELLER SHAFT for procedures.
4. If not previously marked, scribe reference marks on differential bearing caps to be used during reassembly, then remove bearing cap attaching bolts and caps.
5. Remove differential assembly from carrier by putting a box wrench on ring gear bolt and rotating companion flange with suitable tool. When differential assembly is removed from carrier, shims will also come out. Mark shims for reference during reassembly.