Disassembly Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2004 GMC Envoy XUV, 2004 GMC Envoy XL, 2004 GMC Envoy, and 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the differential side bearings. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement .

Fig 1: Identifying Ring Gear Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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

Remove the gear bolts. Discard the bolts.

Fig 2: Removing Ring Gear From Differential

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Do not pry the ring gear from the differential case. Prying the ring gear from the differential case may cause damage to the ring gear and/or the differential case.

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

Fig 3: Exploded View Of Differential Case

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the differential pinion gears and the differential side gears by performing the following steps:
1. Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.
2. Remove the pinion shaft.
3. Roll the differential pinion gears out of the case with the pinion gear thrust washers.
4. Remove the differential side gears and the side gear thrust washers.
  Mark the pinion gears top and bottom and the differential side gears left and right.