Assembly Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Lubricate the pinion and side gears with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
- Install the thrust washers to the differential side gears.
If the same differential side gears and the thrust washers are being used, install the gears and the thrust washers to the original locations.
- Install the differential pinion gears by doing the following:
- 3.1. Position one pinion gear between the differential side gears.
- 3.2. Rotate the differential side gears until the pinion gear is directly opposite the opening in the differential case.
- 3.3. Place the other pinion gear between the differential side gears.
Line up the hole in both the pinion gears.
- Install the thrust washers.
Rotate the pinion gears toward the opening in order to permit the sliding in of the thrust washers.
- Install the pinion shaft.NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
- Install a new pinion shaft lock bolt.
Tighten
Tighten the new pinion shaft lock bolt to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
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.
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.
NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices. - Tighten the 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 120 N.m (89 lb ft).
- Install the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to DIFFERENTIAL SIDE BEARINGS REPLACEMENT .