Differential Carrier & Pinion: Installation
- Install pinion gear, pinion bearings and seal (if removed). Adjust pinion preload. See REASSEMBLY under OVERHAUL. Spread housing as during removal.
- 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.
- Install differential carrier bearing caps. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Install axle shafts. Check and adjust ring gear backlash and tooth contact. If pinion gear, bearings or seal was serviced, adjust pinion preload.
- 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.
- Install pinion gear, pinion bearings, and seal (if removed). Adjust pinion preload. See REASSEMBLY under OVERHAUL. Place differential carrier with adjusters in axle housing.
- 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. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Install axle shafts.
- Apply 1/4" (6.35 mm) bead RTV sealant to axle housing cover. Install cover. Tighten cover bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . 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.