Rear Drive Axle (8 1/2"): Removal

Raise and support vehicle. Remove axle housing cover and drain oil. Index mark drive axle and drive shaft yokes for assembly alignment reference, then disconnect and remove drive shaft.
Remove rear wheels, brake drums and axle shafts. Mount housing spreader tool on axle housing. Use a dial indicator to observe how much housing is opened up. See Figure . Do not spread housing no more than .015" (.38 mm) or damage to housing may result.
Index mark bearing caps for reassembly reference. Loosen bearing caps until only two or three bolt threads are engaged. Pry drive axle carrier loose. Remove bearing caps and remove drive axle marking bearing cups for assembly reference.
Remove housing spreader tool. Remove pinion yoke, gear, bearings, seal, slinger and dustcap if they are to be serviced at this time.