Rear Drive Axle

DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
1. Remove axle shaft nuts, then raise and support rear of vehicle.
2. Remove axle housing cover and allow lubricant to drain.
3. Remove propeller shaft, rear wheels, brake drums, hubs, axle shafts, oil seals and endplay shims as outlined in "Rear Axle, Propeller Shaft & Brakes" section.
4. Using suitable punch, mark differential bearing caps for reference during reassembly.
5. Loosen differential bearing cap bolts leaving two to three bolt threads engaged in housing, then pull bearing caps away from bearings.
6. Pry differential assembly until loose in axle housing, then remove bearing caps and differential assembly from housing.
7. Mount differential assembly in suitable vise.
8. Attach bearing shims to respective bearing caps for reference during reassembly.

Fig. 3 Exploded view of AMC rear drive axle:

DRIVE PINION
1. Remove drive pinion nut, yoke and seal, then using a suitable rawhide mallet, tap yoke end of pinion to drive pinion out of housing. Remove drive pinion and front and rear bearings.
2. Remove rear bearing cup from housing bore, then the pinion depth adjustment shims. Tag shims for reference during reassembly.
3. Remove front bearing cup from axle housing.