Drive Axle - Rear 7.56" (7 9/16") & 8.5": Overhaul: Disassembly
NOTE:
The following overhaul procedures apply to the drive axle after it has been removed from vehicle. It is not necessary to remove complete drive axle housing when overhauling drive axle assembly.
- Place drive axle assembly on bench, use 2 separate feeler gauges and measure carrier side gear clearance. Insert feeler gauges (the same distance in) between each side gear thrust washer and carrier. See Fig 1 .
- Continue checking clearance until each feeler gauge has a tight drag fit. Side gear clearance should not exceed .007" (.18 mm) on either side. If side gear clearance exceeds specification, replace both side gear thrust washers.
- Remove and discard ring gear bolts and remove ring gear. Remove carrier pinion shaft lock (or roll pin) and remove pinion shaft. Rotate pinion gears until they can be removed through carrier opening. Remove side gears and inspect all contacting surfaces and thrust washers.
- At drive axle housing, remove nut, washer and pinion yoke. Keep pinion nut for pinion depth adjustment during reassembly. Tap pinion gear end with a soft faced mallet to release it from front bearing. Remove pinion gear, pinion bearings and preload collapsible spacer. Discard collapsible spacer.
- Remove pinion seal and rear pinion bearing cup. Remove and retain pinion depth shim located under rear bearing cup. Remove pinion front bearing cup using a punch. Press off pinion gear rear bearing from pinion gear using bearing spreader and press. See Fig 2 .