Drive Axle - 7 1/8" & 7 /9/16" & 8 1/4" & 8 1/2" Ring Gears: Overhaul: Disassembly

NOTE: On models equipped with Trac-Lok, see TRAC-LOK article for overhaul of limited slip unit. Following overhaul procedures apply to drive axle gears. Removing complete drive axle housing is not necessary to overhaul assembly.

1. Place drive axle assembly on bench. Using 2 feeler gauges, measure carrier side gear clearance. See Fig 1 . If side gear clearance exceeds specification, replace both side gear thrust washers. See SIDE GEAR CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS  table.
   SIDE GEAR CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS
   
   

   Application	Maximum Clearance In. (mm)
   8 1/4" Ring Gear	.005 (.12)
   Model 186	.005-.008 (.12-.20)
   All Others	.006 (.15)

   Fig 1: Checking Side Gear Clearance

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.
2. Remove and discard ring gear bolts (left-hand thread on Cherokee 8 1/4" rear axle). Remove ring gear. Remove pinion gears and thrust washers. Remove side gears and thrust washers.
3. Remove yoke nut, washer and pinion yoke. Keep pinion nut for pinion depth adjustment during reassembly. Remove pinion gear, pinion bearings and preload shims. Discard collapsible spacer.
4. Remove pinion seal and rear pinion bearing race. Remove and retain pinion depth shim located under rear bearing race. Remove pinion front bearing race. Press off pinion gear rear bearing from pinion gear See Fig 2 . On front axles, remove inner axle housing seals.

Fig 2: Pressing Off Pinion Gear Rear Bearing

Courtesy of CHRYSLER CORP.