Roadmaster Estate Wagon V8-350 5.7L VIN P SFI (1996)
Fig. 3 Exploded View Of Rear Axle Assembly (Part 2 Of 2).
DISASSEMBLE
1. Raise and support rear of vehicle, then loosen axle housing cover bolts and allow lubricant to drain into suitable container, Fig. 3 .
2. Remove axle housing cover, then proceed as follows:
a. Wipe excess lubricant from inside axle housing, then visually inspect parts for wear and/or damage.
b. Rotate gears and check for roughness, indicating damaged bearings or gears.
c. Install dial indicator on axle housing cover flange, then check and record ring gear to drive pinion backlash.
3. Remove rear axles and propeller shaft. Refer to appropriate chassis chapter for procedures.
4. If not previously marked, scribe reference marks on differential bearing caps to be used during reassembly, then loosen bearing cap bolts.
5. Using suitable tool, pry differential case, bearing races and shims out of housing until loose in the bearing caps. Remove bearing races, then the
differential assembly. Mark side cups and shims for reference during reassembly.
Fig. 15 Ring Gear & Pinion Backlash Check.
