Removal Procedure

The optional oil cooler is either an integral part of the radiator or a separate unit placed in front of the radiator. The cooler lines and hoses are serviceable.

1. Disconnect the engine oil cooler quick connect fittings. Refer to Engine Oil Cooler Pipe/Hose Quick Connect Fitting .
2. If equipped with a 5.3L or 6.0L engine, perform the following:
   1. Open the oil cooler hose clip located on the lower fan shroud.
   2. Remove the oil cooler hoses from the clip.
Fig 1: View Of Engine Oil Cooler Quick Connect Fittings (5.3L & 6.0L)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. If equipped with a 8.1L engine, remove the oil cooler hoses from the clip.
Fig 2: View Of Oil Cooler Hoses
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
5. Place jack or utility stands at the rear of the vehicle.
6. If equipped, remove the engine protection shield. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement .
7. If equipped, remove the front differential carrier shield. Refer to Shield Replacement .
8. Place an adjustable jack under the front differential carrier.
9. Remove the inner axle housing nuts and washers from the bracket.
Fig 3: View Of Inner Axle Housing Nuts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
10. Remove the differential carrier upper mounting bolt and nut.
Fig 4: View Of Differential Carrier Upper Mounting Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
11. Pivot the differential carrier forward and down on the lower mount bolt while it is being supported by the adjustable jack.
12. Secure the differential carrier to the jack.
13. Remove the differential carrier lower mounting bolt and nut.
Fig 5: View Of Differential Carrier Lower Mounting Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
14. Lower the jack 4 to 6 inches.
15. If equipped with a 5.3L or 6.0L engine, perform the following:
    1. Remove the oil cooler hose bracket bolt (1).
    2. Remove the oil cooler hose adapter bolts (2).
    3. Remove the oil cooler hose assembly and gasket. Discard the gasket.
    4. Inspect the fittings, connectors and cooler hoses for damage or distortion.
Fig 6: View Of Oil Cooler Hose Bracket Bolt & Adapter Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
16. If equipped with a 8.1L engine, perform the following:
    1. Remove the oil cooler hose bracket bolt.
    2. Disconnect the quick connect fittings (1) at the engine.
    3. Remove the oil cooler hose assembly. Discard the gasket.
    4. Inspect the fittings, connectors and cooler hoses for damage or distortion.
Fig 7: View Of Oil Cooler Hose Quick Connect Fittings (8.1L)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.