Disassembly Procedure

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.

Remove the differential side bearings by performing the following steps:
1. 1.1. Install the differential assembly into a vise.
2. 1.2. Install the J 8107-5 (1) and the J 22888-20A (2) as shown.
3. 1.3. Remove the differential side bearings using the J 22888-20A.
  
  Fig 1: J 8107-5 & J 22888-20A
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
IMPORTANT: The ring gear bolts have right-hand threads.
Remove the gear bolts. Discard the bolts.

Fig 2: Gear Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Refer to RING GEAR REMOVAL NOTICE .
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
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Locate the end of the pinion shaft with the pilot hole.

Fig 4: Identifying Pilot Hole
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the pinion shaft by performing the following steps:
1. 5.1. Place a brass drift onto the end of the pinion shaft with the pilot hole.
2. 5.2. Drive the pinion shaft through the differential case using a hammer and the brass drift.

Fig 5: Removing Pinion Shaft

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the retaining ring from the pinion shaft. Discard the retaining ring.

Fig 6: Retaining Ring & Pinion Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the differential pinion gears and the pinion gear thrust washers by rolling the gears out through the differential case opening.
Remove the differential side gears and the thrust washers.
Mark the pinion gears top and bottom and the differential side gears left and right.

Fig 7: Differential Pinion Gears & Thrust Washers
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.