Installation 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.
- Install the ring gear to the differential case.
- Install the new ring gear bolts.
Hand start each bolt to ensure that the ring gear is properly installed to the differential case.
- Tighten the ring gear bolts, Tighten the ring gear bolts alternately and in stages, gradually pulling the ring gear onto the differential case.
Tighten:
- For the 8.6 inch axle, tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 120 N.m (89 lb ft).
- For the 9.5 inch axle, tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 140 N.m (103 lb ft).
- For the 11.5 inch axle, tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 237 N.m (175 lb ft).
- Install the pinion bearing cups. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.6, 9.5, 11.5 Inch Axles) , Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (9.75 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) .
- Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion gear. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment (8.6 Inch, 9.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axles) , Pinion Depth Adjustment (9.75 Inch Axle) or Pinion Depth Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) .
- Install the selective shim onto the pinion.
- Install the inner pinion bearing to the pinion. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.6, 9.5, 11.5 Inch Axles) , Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (9.75 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) .
- Install a new collapsible spacer.
- Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
- Install the outer pinion bearing into the axle housing.
- Install the new pinion oil seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement (All Except 9.75 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement (9.75 Inch Axle) .
- Install the pinion into the axle housing.
- Install the pinion yoke. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement (All Except 9.75 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement (9.75 Inch Axle) .
- Install the differential assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement (8.6 Inch, 9.5 Inch Axles) , Differential Replacement (9.75 Inch Axle) or Differential Replacement (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axle) .
- Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Lubricant Replacement - Rear Drive Axle (8.6 Inch Axle) , Lubricant Replacement - Rear Drive Axle (9.75 Inch Axle) or Lubricant Replacement - Rear Drive Axle (9.5, 10.5, and 11.5 Inch Axles) .
- Lower the vehicle.
IMPORTANT:
The mating surface of the ring gear and the differential case must be clean and free of burrs before installing the ring gear.
IMPORTANT:
The ring gear bolts on the 8.6 inch and the 9.5 inch axles have left-hand threads. The ring gear bolts on the 11.5 inch axle have right-hand threads.
NOTE:
Refer to Fastener Notice
in Cautions and Notices.