Astro Van 2WD V6-4.3L VIN W (2001)
5.
Remove the brake drums (if equipped).
6.
Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller
Shaft Replacement - One Piece (SI2000 Document ID # 678184) or Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece (SI2000 Document ID # 678187) in
Propeller Shaft.
7.
On the 7.6 inch axle, determine the type of pinion oil seal that is used on the axle.
On early production axles, a 2 lip pinion seal was used. The seal can be identified by the short deflector (1) used on the pinion yoke/flange.
On late production axles, a 3 lip pinion seal was used. The seal can be identified by the long deflector (2) used on the pinion yoke/flange.
8.
Measure the amount of torque required to rotate the pinion using an inch-pound torque wrench. This will give the combined preload for the
following components:
^
The pinion bearings
^
The pinion seal
^
The carrier bearings
^
The axle bearings
^
The axle seals
9.
Record the measurement.