Rear Axle Shaft Bearing & Seal - CJ & Scrambler: Installation

Pack new wheel bearing with high temperature bearing grease. Press bearing onto shaft. Small diameter of bearing must face toward outer tapered end of shaft.
Lubricate lip of inner oil seal and coat outer circumference with non-hardening sealant. Install inner oil seal using Seal Installer (J-21788). Install axle shaft aligning splines with side gear splines. Install axle shaft outer bearing cup.
Coat axle tube flange and support plate mounting surface with silicone sealer. Install end play shims (left side only), outer oil seal, retainer, and support plate assembly.
Tighten support plate bolts. Connect brake line to wheel cylinder and bleed brake system. Check and adjust axle shaft end play.
NOTE: If axle is replaced, a new hub must be installed. Replacement hub can be used on old shaft if shaft serrations are not worn or damaged.
When installing original hub on original shaft, align keyway in axle hub with shaft key and slide hub onto shaft as far as possible. Install thrust washer and nut. Install brake drum.
Install wheels and lower vehicle. Apply parking brake. Tighten axle shaft nut to 250 ft. lbs. (339 N.m). Install cotter pin. If hole is not aligned, tighten nut to next castellation. Do not loosen nut. Remove wheels. Install axle shaft dust cap. Reinstall wheels.
When installing new hub on shaft, align keyway in axle hub with shaft key and slide hub onto shaft as far as possible. Lubricate 2 thrust washers with chassis grease and install washers on end of axle shaft. Install axle shaft nut.
Install brake drum. Install wheels and lower vehicle. Apply parking brake. Tighten axle shaft nut until distance from hub outer face to axle shaft outer end is 1 5/16" (33.34 mm). Remove axle shaft nut and 1 thrust washer.
Install axle shaft nut and tighten 250 ft. lbs. (339 N.m). Install cotter pin. If hole is not aligned, tighten nut to next castellation. Do not loosen nut. Remove wheels. Install axle shaft dust cap. Reinstall wheels.