Removal Procedure
- Raise the vehicle. Refer
to 
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle 
in General Information.
 
- Drain the rear axle. Refer to 
Lubricant Change 
.
 
- Remove the rear axle housing cover bolts (1).
 
- Remove the rear axle housing cover (2) from the axle housing.
 
| 4.1.  | Catch the oil in a drain pan. | 
 
| 4.2.  | Remove any gasket material from the rear axle housing and/or the
rear axle housing cover. | 
 
Installation Procedure
- Install the rear axle
housing cover (2) and a new gasket.
 
Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners
must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring
replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant
are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or
corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified.
These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage
the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when
installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
- Install the rear axle housing cover bolts (1).
 
Tighten
|     •  | For the 7.6 inch axle, tighten the rear axle housing cover
bolts in a crosswise pattern to 30 N·m (20 lb ft). | 
 
|     •  | For the 8.6 inch axle, tighten the rear housing cover bolts
in a crosswise pattern to 39 N·m (29 lb ft). | 
 
- Fill the rear axle. Use the proper fluid. Refer to 
Approximate Fluid Capacities 
 and 
Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations 
 in Maintenance
and Lubrication.
 
- Lower the vehicle.