How do I replace the outer pinion bearing on my front axle?

[1976Scottsdale]

Okay, I was crawling under my 1976 K-20 removing the drivelines when I noticed that the front yoke has a great deal of play in it.  How do I remove the bearing just behind the yoke to replace it and the seal?  It is a GM 10 bolt 8.5" front end, not the dana 44.

[Captkaos]

Are you talking about the pinion bearing that the yoke it bolted to?  You have to tear the front axle apart.

[1976Scottsdale]

I am talking about the one that is just behind the yoke at the back of the front axle, yes.  The one that you can see if you remove the driveshaft and remove the nut and yoke and seal.  I have to tear down the front axle to do so huh?  Okay... if I must.  Do I have to have the old bearing pressed off, or is that just for the one on the ring gear side of the pinion shaft?

[VileZambonie]

Before you remove the yoke nut put a punch mark on the yoke, the nut, and the pinion shaft so everything lines back up. It's critical because this is your factory set pinion bearing preload. Over tightening it or under tightening it will ruin it. You can replace just that bearing once you pop the pinion seal out.

[1976Scottsdale]

Did not know that.  Thank you.