Locking Differential Disassemble

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003 GMC Envoy XL, 2003 GMC Envoy, and 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Tools Required

J 26252-A Locking Differential Governor Remover

Remove the governor bushing using the J 26252.
Remove the governor assembly.
To aid in the removal of the governor assembly, turn the side gear as necessary to position the governor assembly between two of the side gear teeth.

Fig 1: Removing Governor Bushing Using J 26252
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the latching bracket assembly bushing using the J 26252. To aid in the removal of the latching bracket assembly, turn the side gear as necessary to position the latching bracket assembly between two of the side gear teeth.
Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.
Remove the pinion shaft.
Remove the differential pinion gears and the thrust washers.
Rotate the pinion gears and roll the pinion gears and the thrust washers out of the case through the differential window.

Mark the pinion gears and thrust washers accordingly for re-assembly.
Remove the thrust block.
Remove the right side gear and clutch discs assembly.
Remove the right side shim.

Fig 2: Removing Latching Bracket Assembly Bushing Using J 26252
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the left side gear (cam unit) and clutch discs assembly.

Fig 3: Removing Left Side Gear (Cam Unit) And Clutch Discs Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the left side gear thrust washer.

Fig 4: Removing Left Side Gear Thrust Washer
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.