Disassembly Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 GMC Sierra, 2004 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2004 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the differential side bearings by performing the following steps:
1. Install the differential assembly into a vise.
2. Install the J 8107-5 (1) and the J 22888-20A (2) as shown.
3. Remove the differential side bearings using the J 22888-20A.

Fig 1: Removing Differential Side Bearing

GM680400

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: The ring gear bolts have right-hand threads.

Remove the gear bolts. Discard the bolts.

Fig 2: Identifying Ring Gear Bolts

GM866503

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Refer to Ring Gear Removal Notice in Cautions and Notices.

Remove the ring gear from the differential case.
Drive the ring gear off with a brass drift if necessary.

Fig 3: Removing Ring Gear From Differential

GM866502

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Locate the end of the pinion shaft with the pilot hole.

Fig 4: Locating Pinion Shaft End

GM850793

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the pinion shaft by performing the following steps:
1. Place a brass drift onto the end of the pinion shaft with the pilot hole.
2. Drive the pinion shaft through the differential case using a hammer and the brass drift.

Fig 5: Removing Pinion Shaft

GM911230

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the retaining ring from the pinion shaft. Discard the retaining ring.

Fig 6: Removing Pinion Shaft Retaining Ring

GM911232

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the differential pinion gears and the pinion gear thrust washers by rolling the gears out through the differential case opening.
Remove the differential side gears and the thrust washers.
Mark the pinion gears top and bottom and the differential side gears left and right.

Fig 7: Removing Differential Side Gears & Thrust Washers

GM911236

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.