Front Differential Assembly Replacement

Front Differential Assembly Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
2. Remove the engine skid plate. Refer to Engine Shield Replacement (Engine Shield Replacement).
3. Remove the oil pan skid plate. Refer to Oil Pan Skid Plate Replacement (Oil Pan Skid Plate Replacement).
4. Remove the transfer case shield. Refer to Transfer Case Shield Replacement (Transfer Case Shield Replacement).
5. Remove the front propeller shaft. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement (Front Propeller Shaft Replacement).
6. Drain the front drive axle. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Replacement (Front Drive Axle).
7. Remove the front wheel drive shafts. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (Service and Repair)
8. Remove the crossmember. Refer to Crossmember Replacement (Crossmember Replacement)

Note: Use tie straps to secure the front differential assembly to the transmission jack stand.

9. Using an adjustable transmission jack stand, support the front differential assembly.
10. Remove the vent tube from the front differential assembly.





Note: Steps 11 and 12 are for those vehicles equipped with the electronic locking differential.

11. Remove the electronic locking differential electrical connector from the right frame rail.
12. Disconnect the electrical connector (1) for the electronic locking differential.




13. Remove the left and right mounting bolts (1) for the front differential assembly.
14. Remove the front differential assembly (2) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure




1. Install the front differential assembly (2) in the vehicle.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

2. Install the mounting bolts for the front differential and tighten to 110 Nm (81 lb ft).
3. Remove the tie straps and the transmission jack stand from the front differential.





Note: Steps 4 and 5 are for those vehicles equipped with the electronic locking differential.

4. Reconnect the electronic locking differential electrical connector (1).
5. Install the electronic locking differential electrical connect on the right frame rail.
6. Install the vent tube for the front differential. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement (Vent Hose Replacement).
7. Install the crossmember. Refer to Crossmember Replacement (Crossmember Replacement).
8. Install the front propeller shaft. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement (Front Propeller Shaft Replacement).
9. Install the front wheel drive shafts. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement (Service and Repair).
10. Fill the front differential with fluid. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Replacement (Front Drive Axle).
11. Install the transfer case shield. Refer to Transfer Case Shield Replacement (Transfer Case Shield Replacement).
12. Install the oil pan skid plate. Refer to Oil Pan Skid Plate Replacement (Oil Pan Skid Plate Replacement).
13. Install the engine shield. Refer to Engine Shield Replacement (Engine Shield Replacement).
14. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.