Front Drive Axle

Fig. 1 Spreader tool installation:

DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
1. Raise and support front of vehicle.
2. Remove front axle assembly.
3. Remove axle housing cover and allow lubricant to drain, then using suitable punch, mark differential bearing caps for reference during reassembly.
4. Loosen differential bearing cap bolts leaving two to three bolt threads engaged in housing.
5. Install spreader tool, J-24385-01, adapters, J-24161 and dial indicator set, J-8001. Zero indicator and ensure indicator stylus contacts one side of housing opening.
6. While observing micrometer, spread housing with tool. Do not spread housing more than 0.020 inch or distortion could result.
7. Remove dial indicator, bearing cap bolts and bearing caps. Tag bearing caps for assembly reference.
8. Position one suitable pry bar under a ring gear bolt head while positioning another pry bar under differential case. Pry differential assembly upwards to remove.
9. Remove spreader tool to prevent housing from taking a set.
10. Mount differential assembly in suitable vise.

Fig. 2 Exploded view of AMC front drive axle:

DRIVE PINION
1. Remove drive pinion nut, yoke and yoke dust cap, then using a suitable rawhide mallet, tap yoke end of pinion to drive pinion out of housing. Collect and tag pinion bearing preload adjusting shims for use during reassembly.
2. Remove pinion rear bearing with suitable puller.
3. Using a wooden 2 x 2 or suitable piece of pipe, drive front bearing, slinger and seal from axle housing.
4. Remove rear bearing cup from housing bore, then the pinion depth adjustment shims. Tag shims for reference during reassembly.
5. Remove front bearing cup from axle housing.