Disassembly 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.

Remove the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to DIFFERENTIAL SIDE BEARINGS REPLACEMENT .
Important: The ring gear bolts have left-hand threads.
Remove the ring gear bolts. Discard the bolts.

Fig 1: Removing Ring Gear Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Do not pry the ring gear from the differential case. Prying the ring gear from the differential case may cause damage to the ring gear and/or the differential case.
Remove the ring gear from the differential case. Drive the ring gear off with a brass drift if necessary.

Fig 2: Removing Ring Gear From Differential Case
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the differential pinion gears and the differential side gears by doing the following:
1. 4.1. Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.
2. 4.2. Remove the pinion shaft.
3. 4.3. Roll the differential pinion gear out of the case with the pinion thrust washers.
4. 4.4. Remove the differential side gears and the side gear thrust washers.
  Mark the pinion gears top and bottom and the differential side gears left and right.
Fig 3: Removing Differential Pinion Gears And Differential Side Gears
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.