Removal Procedure
- Raise the vehicle. Refer to 
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle 
 in General Information.
 
- Remove the rear axle fill plug.
 
- For the 7.6 inch axle
and the 8.6 inch axle without a drain plug, remove the rear axle housing cover and
the rear axle housing cover gasket.
 
- For the 8.6 inch axle with a drain
plug, remove the rear axle drain plug.
 
- Drain the lubricant into a suitable container.
 
- Inspect the drain plug for excessive metal particle accumulation. This
accumulation is symptomatic of extreme wear.
 
- Clean the drain plug.
 
Installation Procedure
- For the 7.6 inch axle
and the 8.6 inch axle without a drain plug, install the new rear axle housing cover
gasket and the rear axle housing cover.
 
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
- Install the rear axle housing cover bolts.
 
Tighten
Tighten the rear axle housing cover bolts in a crosswise
pattern to 30 N·m (20 lb ft).
- For the 8.6 inch axle with a drain
plug, install the rear axle drain plug.
 
Tighten
Tighten the rear axle drain plug 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.
 
- Install the rear axle fill plug.
 
Tighten
Tighten the rear axle fill plug to 33 N·m
(24 lb ft).
- Lower the vehicle.