Removal 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.
- Raise the vehicle. Refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
- Remove the differential assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement (8.6 Inch, 9.5 Inch Axles) or Differential Replacement (9.75 Inch Axle) or Differential Replacement (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axle) .
- Remove the pinion yoke and the oil seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement (All Except 9.75 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement (9.75 Inch Axle) .
- Install the J 22536,
8.6 inch or 9.5 inch axle, or the J 44421,
11.5 inch axle as shown.
Ensure that the J 22536 or the J 44421 is firmly seated on the pinion.
- Drive the pinion out using the J 22536
or the J 44421
and a hammer.
Strike the J 22536 or the J 44421 slowly. Do not let the pinion fall out of the rear axle housing.
- Remove the collapsible spacer from the pinion. Discard the spacer.
- Remove the pinion bearings and the cups. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.6, 9.5, 11.5 Inch Axles) or Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (9.75 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) .IMPORTANT: The ring gear bolts on the 8.6 inch and the 9.5 inch axles have left-hand threads. The ring gear bolts on the 11.5 inch axle have right-hand threads.
- Remove the gear bolts. Discard the bolts.NOTE: Refer to RING GEAR REMOVAL NOTICE .
- Remove the ring gear from the differential. Drive the gear off with a brass drift if necessary.