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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2002 >> Blazer 4D Utility, 4WD, Part Time >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1611 (Front Drive Axle) >> Repair Instructions >> Pinion Depth Adjustment >> Tools Required

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.
IMPORTANT: Make sure all of the tools, the pinion bearings, and the pinion bearing cups are clean before proceeding.
  1. Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid .
  2. Assemble the J 29763  (5) to the J 36601-4 (4) and J 36601-7 (1).
  3. Assemble the J 21777-35 (3) onto the J 36601-7 (1).
  4. Install the pinion bearings and hold them in place.
  5. Insert the J 36601-7 (1) with the J 21777-35 (3) through the pinion bearings.
    Fig 1: J 36601-7, J 36601-5, J 21777-35, J 36601-4 & J 29763
    G01480510Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  6. Install the J 36601-5 (2), the washer, and the nut to the J 36601-7 (1).
  7. While holding the J 36601-4 (4) stationary, install an inch-pound torque wrench on the nut and tighten the nut until a rotating torque of 1.1-2.3 N.m (10-20 lb in) is obtained.

    Rotate the assembly several times in both directions in order to seat the pinion bearings.

  8. Check the rotating torque of the assembly. If the torque is less than 1.0 N.m (10 lb in), tighten the nut on the J 36601-7 until a rotating torque of 1.1-2.3 N.m (10-20 lb in) is obtained.
    IMPORTANT: The left side differential bearing adjuster assembly must be removed prior to placing the J 36601-4 in the differential side bearing bore.
  9. Adjust the J 29763  (2) to the differential bearing bore by doing the following:
    1. 9.1. Loosen the lock nut on the J 29763. 
    2. 9.2. Place the contact pad of the J 36601  on the differential side bearing bore.
    3. 9.3. With the contact pad of the J 36601  touching the differential side bearing bore, push down on the J 29763  until the needle of the J 29763  has turned 3/4 of a turn clockwise.
    4. 9.4. Tighten the lock nut of the J 29763. 
  10. Rotate the J 36601  (1) back and forth until the needle of the J 29763  (2) indicates the lowest point in the differential side bearing bore.
  11. At the lowest point of deflection, move the housing of the J 29763  until the needle indicates ZERO.
    Fig 2: J 36601 & J 29763
    G01480511Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  12. Move the J 36601  back and forth again to verify the zero setting. Adjust the housing of the J 29763  as necessary to set the needle to ZERO.
  13. After the ZERO setting is obtained and verified, grasp the J 36601  (1) by the flats and move the J 36601  out of the differential side bearing bore.
    IMPORTANT: The unit of measurement for the J 29763 is in hundredths of a millimeter.
  14. The value indicated on the J 29763  (2) is the thickness of the shim needed in order to set the depth of the pinion.
  15. Select the shim that indicates the proper thickness. Measure the shim with a micrometer in order to verify that the thickness is correct.
  16. Remove the pinion depth setting tools.
  17. Remove the pinion bearings.
  18. Install the pinion shim between the pinion and the inner pinion bearing and assemble the differential carrier. Refer to Differential Carrier Assembly - Assemble .
Fig 3: J 36601 & J 29763
G01480512Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Differential pinion gear shims are available in the following sizes:

Fig 4: Shim Sizes
G01480513Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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