Pinion Flange & Seal

Raise rear of vehicle and allow axle assembly to hang free. Disconnect rear universal joint and tie propeller shaft out of way. Note and record pinion bearing preload by rotating pinion shaft through several revolutions using an INCH lb. torque wrench, then mark relationship of pinion flange and shaft for reassembly. Remove pinion nut, washer, and flange, then pry seal out of housing. If deflector is being replaced, tap deflector from flange, clean stake points, and stake new deflector at three equally spaced locations around flange.
Pack seal lip cavity with lithium-base extreme pressure lubricant and install seal squarely into housing until seal seats against internal shoulder. Install companion flange, washer, and NEW pinion nut. Tighten nut until end play is removed, then tighten in small increments, while checking bearing preload, until preload is same as noted before removal. Connect propeller shaft.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to hammer flange onto pinion shaft, as it will damage ring gear and pinion.