• Wrench set
• Socket set
• Pry bar
• Jack and jack stands
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
1. Engage the parking brake and set the parking brake firmly.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels, but do not remove them.
3. Raise the rear of the truck with a floor jack and support it on jack stands. Never crawl under a vehicle supported only by jacks, especially if they are not designed for that purpose. Always use jack stands.
4. Remove the lug nuts, take off the rear wheels and then use a pry bar to pry off the brake drums or disc brake rotors from the rear axle flanges. Discard the cotter pins.
5. Put on your safety glasses.
6. Remove the bolts holding the driveshaft to the rear axle pinion flange in the center of the rear end using the wrenches. (Make sure the parking brake is engaged before you do this.)
7. Carefully lower the driveshaft out of the way.
8. Disconnect the brake line from the frame under the body where it enters the frame of the vehicle (near the rear differential).
9. Place a catch pan under the rear differential housing.
10. Crack loose, then use the wrenches to remove the bolts holding the differential cover to the rear axle housing and let the gear lube drain.
11. Gently pry the gasket or sealant from the mating surfaces with the pry bar.
12. Pull the differential assembly straight out towards the rear of the truck to remove it.
Reverse the order of the above procedure when installing a rebuilt or used rear end in your vehicle.
• Make sure that you have all of the necessary tools and materials before starting this job.
• If you are not comfortable working on cars, you should have a qualified mechanic do this job for you.
