Before you begin - drain the oil from the two drain plugs located on the underside of the case. Late models only have one.

ON SWING AXLE MODELS:

1)Remove carter key and axle nuts using a 36mm socket. A pipe wrench can be used but damage to the nut may result. If the brake drum can't be locked or held, see special tools section for info on making a barbrace. If you still can't loosen axle nuts center punch and drill three 1/8" holes, not quite 1/4" deep (thread damage to axle shaft will occur if deeper) along flat of nut, then chisel off. See photo # 1.

2)Remove brake drum.

3)Remove the four bolts on the axle bearing cover, then pull off cover with deflector and seal.

4)Disconnect emergency brake cable, if not already done when trans was removed from car.

5)Pull off brake shoes and backing plate as an assembly - no need to tear down unless brake work must be done.

6)Bearing spacer, thrust washer and the large-and small '0' ring seals will now pull off.

7)Remove axle boots. Stock ones are removed by inserting a punch or screwdriver into eyelet of pin on clamp and turning counter clockwise until strap is loose. Then pry off strap clamp. (Replace boots with split type for best results and ease of installation,) Old stock boot must be cut off. Have a bucket or can ready to catch excess oil left in case and axle tubes.

8)Remove the 6 nuts on axle tube retainers using a 13mm socket.

9)Pull loose axle tube retainer (note the gasket thickness).

10)Pull off axle tube with outer bearing using a wheel puller. Driving off tube is not recommended. Special axle bearing puller can be used if available, to remove bearing, then axle tube can be slid off.

11)If still lodged in axle tube, tap out axle bearing using a long piece of wood inserted through axle tube.

12)Pull off (listed in order) bearing, spacer, axle tube, axle tube retainer, and plastic insert. See photo # 2.

13)Release snap ring inside side cover. Use appropriate pliers, small light duty pliers won't work. (K - D #455 with interchangeable points works nice.) See photo #3 and #4.

14)Pull out axle, thrust washer, fulcrum plates and gear. See

photos #5 and #6.

15)Do this to both sides. With both axles removed the trans case is easier to work with.