Dodge R1500 1999 Service Manual page 411

Fig. 1: Installing Axle Housing Spreader
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
6) Remove dial indicator. Pry differential case from axle
housing. If reusing bearing races for differential bearings, mark
bearing race location for reassembly reference. Bearing races must be
installed with original differential bearing.
7) If removing ring gear, place differential case in soft-jaw
vise. Remove and discard ring gear bolts. Using soft-face hammer, tap
ring gear from differential case.
8) Remove pinion nut and washer from pinion. Scribe reference
mark on pinion flange and pinion if components are to be reused.
9) Using Holder (C-3281) and appropriate flange remover,
remove pinion flange from pinion. Remove oil seal from axle housing.
10) Remove slinger (if equipped), pinion bearing and preload
shim(s). Note thickness of preload shims for reassembly reference in
case shims become misplaced.
11) Remove pinion and bearing from axle housing. Using
appropriate remover, remove front (outer) pinion bearing race from
axle housing. Remove rear (inner) pinion bearing race from axle
housing using remover. Remove pinion bearing depth shims from axle
housing. Measure and record shim thickness for reassembly reference.
12) Remove rear (inner) bearing from pinion, using
appropriate puller. Remove differential bearings from differential
case. Remove preload shims from differential case. Identify preload
shim location. Record preload shim thickness for reassembly reference.
13) Clamp differential case in soft-jaw vise. Remove roll pin
from differential case. Tap pinion shaft from differential case.