Differential Replacement (9.5 Inch LD Axle)

Differential Replacement (9.5 Inch LD Axle)

Special Tools

J 24429 Side Bearing Backlash Spanner

Removal Procedure

Note: 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 Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (Service and Repair).




3. Remove the differential bearing adjuster nut lock.




Warning: Refer to Differential Case Removal Warning (Technician Safety Information).

4. Remove the bearing cap bolts.

Note: Before removing the bearing caps, mark the bearing caps left and right.

5. Remove the bearing caps.





Caution: Refer to Differential Housing Cover and Gasket Removal Caution (Differential Housing Cover and Gasket Removal Caution).

6. Using the J 24429 , loosen the differential bearing adjuster nut.
7. Remove the differential assembly.
8. 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.
9. Remove the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) (Differential Side Bearings Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle))Differential Side Bearings Replacement (9.5 Inch LD Axle) (Differential Side Bearings Replacement (9.5 Inch LD Axle)).
10. Remove the ring gear, if necessary. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (Service and Repair).

Installation Procedure

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




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

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

9. Tighten the bearing cap bolts.
Tighten the 9.5/9.5LD inch axle bearing cap bolts to 85 Nm (63 ft. lbs.).
10. Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (Service and Repair).
11. Fill the axle with the proper lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (9.5 Inch LD Axle) (Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (9.5 Inch LD Axle))Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) (Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle)).
12. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.