LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Jeep >> 1997 >> Wrangler SE, Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Drivelines & Axles >> Differentials & Drive Axles >> Drive Axle - 7 1/8" & 7 /9/16" & 8 1/4" & 8 1/2" Ring Gears >> Removal & Installation >> Differential Carrier & Pinion >> Installation

Differential Carrier & Pinion: Installation

  1. Install pinion gear, pinion bearings and seal (if removed). Adjust pinion preload. See REASSEMBLY  under OVERHAUL. Spread housing as during removal.
  2. Place differential carrier with bearing races and shims in axle housing. Verify that on differentials with Vari-Lok that Vari-Lok plenum is at bottom of housing. Using a mallet, tap outer edges of drive axle bearing races to seat differential carrier. Remove housing spreader.
  3. Install bearing caps. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  table. Install axle shafts. Check and adjust ring gear backlash and tooth contact. If pinion gear, bearings or seal was serviced, adjust pinion preload.
  4. Apply 1/4" (6.35 mm) bead of RTV sealant to axle housing cover. Install cover. Tighten cover bolts to specification. Connect drive shaft. Fill axle with SAE 80W-90 gear oil. Check gear oil level and add as necessary until oil is at bottom of fill hole.


  1. Install pinion gear, pinion bearings, and seal (if removed). Adjust pinion preload. See REASSEMBLY  under OVERHAUL. Place differential carrier with adjusters in axle housing.
  2. Install bearing caps. Check and adjust ring gear backlash and tooth contact. Preload differential carrier bearings. Tighten bolts to specification. Tighten adjuster lock bolts to specification. Install axle shafts.
  3. Apply 1/4" (6.35 mm) bead RTV sealant to axle housing cover. Install cover. Tighten cover bolts to specification. Connect drive shaft. Fill axle with 80W-90 gear oil. Check gear oil and add as necessary until oil is at bottom of fill hole.
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals