Differential Carrier: Removal

Unlock steering wheel. Raise and support vehicle. Remove front axle skid plate. Drain front differential. Disconnect axle vent hose. Disconnect steering relay rod from idler arm and pitman arm, and pull steering linkage forward. Mark front of drive shaft to ensure proper installation. Remove bolts and clamps. Wire drive shaft aside.
Remove wheels. Remove both outer axles shafts. See OUTER AXLE SHAFTS . Using transmission jack, support differential carrier. Remove right axle shaft and housing. See RIGHT AXLE SHAFT & HOUSING . Remove differential carrier-to-frame bolts and nuts. Tip differential carrier counterclockwise while lifting (to gain clearance from mounting ears) and remove differential carrier.

Fig 1: View Of Inner Axle Shaft Housing To Frame Bracket Bolts, Nuts And Washers

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.