Disassembly Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2002 GMC Envoy XL, 2002 GMC Envoy, and 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. 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 J 22912-O1 (2) and the J 8107-2 (1) as shown.
2. 1.2. Remove the differential side bearings using the J 22912-O1 and a hydraulic press.
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 bolts.
The ring gear bolts have left-handed threads.

Fig 2: Removing Ring Gear Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the ring gear from the differential case. Drive the ring gear off with a brass drift if necessary.
Remove the differential pinion gears and the differential side gears by doing the following:

Fig 3: Removing Differential Pinion Gears And Differential Side Gears
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
1. 4.1. Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.
2. .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.