Tools Required

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sierra, 2003 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2003 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

J 8092 Universal Driver Handle - 3/4 in - 10
J 29710 Differential Side Bearing Installer
J 36597 Side Bearing Puller Pilot - 9.25 in Axle

Install the thrust washers and the differential side gears into the differential case.
If the same differential side gears and the thrust washers are being used, install the gears and the washers to the original locations.

Fig 1: Thrust Washers & Differential Side Gear
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the differential pinion gears by performing the following steps:
1. 2.1. Position both pinion gears between the differential side gears directly opposite of each other.
2. 2.2. Rotate the differential side gears until the pinion gears are opposite the opening in the differential case in line with the pinion shaft opening.
Install the thrust washers in between the pinion gear and differential case using a hammer and brass drift.
Install the differential side gear spacers.

Fig 2: Differential Pinion Gears & Thrust Washers
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the pinion gear shaft.

Fig 3: Pinion Gear Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE .
Install the pinion shaft lock bolt.
Tighten

Tighten the pinion shaft lock bolt to 53 N.m (39 lb ft).

Fig 4: Install Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: The mating surface of the ring gear and the differential case must be clean and free of burrs before installing the ring gear.
Install the ring gear onto the differential case.

Fig 5: Install Ring Gear Onto Differential Case
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: The ring gear bolts have left-hand threads.
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 new ring gear bolts. Tighten the ring gear bolts alternately and in stages, gradually pulling the ring gear onto the differential case.
Tighten

Tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 138 N.m (102 lb ft).

Fig 6: Install New Ring Gear Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the differential side bearings by performing the following steps:
1. 10.1. In order to protect the differential case, install the J 36597 in the case on the side opposite the bearing installation.
2. 10.2. Install the J 29710 (2) and the J 8092 (1) onto the differential case bearing as shown.
3. 10.3. Drive the differential case bearing onto the case using the J 29710 and the J 8092.
Fig 7: Install Differential Side Bearing Using J 8092 & J 29710
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.