Differential Case Assembly Disassemble

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003 GMC Envoy XL, 2003 GMC Envoy, 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, and 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Tools Required

J 22888-D Side Bearing Remover Kit

Place the differential case in a vise.
Install the J 22888-20A (2) and the J 8107-2 (1) as shown.
Remove the differential side bearings using the J 22888-20A and the J 8107-2.

Fig 1: Installing J 22888-20A (2) And J 8107-2 (1)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: The ring gear bolts have left-handed threads.
Remove the ring gear bolts.

Fig 2: Removing Ring Gear Bolts
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: Removing Ring Gear From Differential Case Using Brass Drift
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.

Fig 4: Removing Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the pinion shaft.

Fig 5: Removing Pinion Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the differential pinion gears and the differential side gears.
1. Roll the differential pinion gears out of the case with the pinion thrust washers.
2. 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.

Fig 6: Removing Differential Pinion Gears And Differential Side Gears
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.