Differential Assembly
Remove differential assembly as previously outlined and mount assembly in suitable holding fixture. Drain oil and mark pinion shaft and companion flange for reassembly reference. Remove inspection hole cover, mount dial indicator in one cover bolt hole and check ring gear backface runout and ring-to-pinion gear backlash. Check gear tooth contact pattern.
NOTE:
Refer to Rear Axle Gear Tooth Patterns in this section.
Remove axle flanges and side cover, then remove differential carrier assembly. Proceed as follows for standard or limited slip differential carrier disassembly.