Removal

Fig. 4 Exploded View Of 7-1/2 & 8.8 Inch Ring Gear Rear Axle:

1. Raise and support rear of vehicle, then loosen axle housing cover bolts and allow lubricant to drain into suitable container, Fig. 4.
2. Remove axle housing cover, then proceed as follows:
a. Wipe excess lubricant from inside axle housing, then visually inspect parts for wear and/or damage.
b. Rotate gears and check for roughness, indicating damaged bearings or gears.
c. Install suitable dial indicator on axle housing cover flange, then check and record ring gear back face run-out. Maximum back face run-out is .004 inch.
3. Remove rear axles and propeller shaft.
4. Scribe reference marks on differential bearing caps for assembly reference, then loosen bearing cap bolts. Observe and record direction the arrows are facing on the bearing caps. During installation, the arrows must face in the same direction.
5. Using suitable tool, pry differential case, bearing cups and shims out of housing until loose in the bearing caps. Remove bearing caps, then the differential assembly. Mark which side cups and shims came from for reference during reassembly.