Removal 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.
- Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
- Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 Inch, 9.5 Inch Axles) or Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (9.75 Inch Axle) .
- Loosen the bearing cap bolts.
Do not remove the bearing cap bolts at this time.
- Install the J 24385-C onto the axle housing as shown.
- Install the J 25025 (2), the J 8001-1 and the J 8001-2 (1), the J 34178 (3), and the J 8001-3 and the J 8001-4 (4) onto the axle housing as shown.
- Preload the dial of the J 8001-3 by pushing the J 8001-3 against the edge of the J 24385-C until the needle of the J 8001-3 has moved approximately 3/4 of a turn clockwise.
- Rotate the indicator housing to align the indicator needle of the J 8001-3 and the dial indicator face to ZERO.
- Spread the axle housing by turning the clevis screw of the J 24385-C
clockwise while observing theJ 8001
.
Spread the housing just enough to remove the differential assembly.
- Remove the J 25025-B , the J 8001-1, the J 8001-2, the J 34178 , the J 8001-3 and the J 8001-4 from the axle housing.
- Remove the bearing cap bolts.
- Remove the bearing caps.
- Remove the differential assembly.
- Remove the J 24385-C .
- Remove the ring gear. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6 Inch, 9.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axles) , Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (9.75 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) .
- Remove the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement (All Except 9.75 Inch Axle) or Differential Side Bearings Replacement (9.75 Inch Axle) .
NOTE:
Do not spread the axle housing more than 0.38 mm (0.015 inch). Overspreading the housing may result in component damage.
CAUTION:
Refer to Differential Case Removal Caution
in Cautions and Notices.
IMPORTANT:
Corresponding letters are stamped on the bearing caps and axle housing. The bearing caps must be reassembled in the same position as removed.