Rear Drive Axle (7 9/16"): 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 shaft.
Remove rear wheels, brake drums and both axle shafts. If pinion gear, seal or bearings are to be serviced, complete the following: using an INCH lb. torque wrench and correct size socket, rotate pinion and check and record preload needed to turn pinion. Recorded torque will be used to set proper pinion preload on reassembly.
Index mark bearing caps for assembly reference and loosen bearing caps until only two or three bolt threads are threaded. Pry drive axle assembly loose. Remove bearing cap bolts and bearing caps. Remove rear drive axle assembly. If pinion and/or seal are to be serviced, remove pinion gear, bearings and seal at this time.