Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2003 GMC Yukon XL, 2003 GMC Yukon, 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the brake caliper. Refer to BRAKE CALIPER in Disc Brakes.
Remove the rear cover and the gasket. Refer to REAR AXLE HOUSING COVER AND GASKET REPLACEMENT .
Remove the pinion shaft locking bolt.

Fig 1: Removing Rear Axle Shaft - 8.6 Inch Axle W/O JL4, 9.5 Inch Axle (1 Of 5)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
On axles without a locking differential, remove the pinion shaft.

Fig 2: Removing Rear Axle Shaft - 8.6 Inch Axle W/O JL4, 9.5 Inch Axle (2 Of 5)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
On axles with a locking differential, remove the shaft part way. Rotate the case until the pinion shaft touches the housing.

Fig 3: Removing Rear Axle Shaft - 8.6 Inch Axle W/O JL4, 9.5 Inch Axle (3 Of 5)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
On axles with a locking differential, use a screwdriver, or a similar tool, in order to enter the differential case and rotate the lock (1) until the lock aligns with the thrust block (2).

Fig 4: Removing Rear Axle Shaft - 8.6 Inch Axle W/O JL4, 9.5 Inch Axle (4 Of 5)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Push the flange of the axle shaft (1) toward the differential.
Remove the C-lock (4) from the button end of the axle shaft (1).
Important: When removing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft. Rotating the shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the gears will make the assembly difficult.
Remove the axle shaft (1) from the housing (5).

Fig 5: Removing Rear Axle Shaft - 8.6 Inch Axle W/O JL4, 9.5 Inch Axle (5 Of 5)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.