Service Procedure

1. Raise vehicle on hoist.





2. Clean dirt/undercoat from the four (4) differential assembly stud nuts and from both the right and left weldbeads on the lower side of the axle housing. The stud nuts and weld bead will be used by the inspection gauge. See figure 1.

3. Visually inspect welds for any oil leaks. If leaks are found at the weld joints, the axle assembly will require replacement. Proceed to "AXLE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE".





4. Place the gauge tool over the cleaned differential assembly attachment stud nuts. See Figure 2.

NOTE:
Ensure the inspection gauge is resting on the axle housing.

5. Inspect the rear axle shaft housing tube for weld bead location on both the passenger and driver's side by positioning your line of sight from the bottom of the axle through the cutout sight slot on the inspection gauge.





^ If the weld bead is located within the inspection gauge cutout slot (figure 3) , weld is correct and rear axle assembly does not require replacement. Proceed to step 6.





^ If the weld bead is located completely outside of the inspection gauge cutout slot (figure 4), the weld is incorrect and the rear axle assembly requires replacement. Proceed to step "AXLE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE."

NOTE:
Weld bead is allowed to touch inspection gauge cutout slot but may not continue beyond cutout slot.





6. Clean the top of the front upper radiator core support nose panel in front of the hood lock of any grease or dirt. Install Campaign Identification Label "SD."

Additional "SD" identification labels may be obtained by contacting the Technical Hotline.