Tool Required

• J 33838 Pinion Setting Gage
• J 29763 Static Time Gage

Important  Make sure all of the tools, the pinion bearings, and the pinion bearing cups are clean before proceeding.

1. Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Refer to FLUID AND LUBRICANT RECOMMENDATIONS in Maintenance and Lubrication.
2. Install the pinion bearings and hold them in place.
3. Install the J 33838 and J 29763 as shown.
   NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notice.
   Fig 1: J 33838 & J 29763

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
4. While holding the J 3838 stationary, install an inch-pound torque wrench on the nut of the J 33838.

   Tighten 

   Tighten the nut until a rotating torque of 1.0-1.7 N.m (10-15 lb in), is obtained.

5. Adjust the j 29763 to the differential bearing bore by doing the following:
   1. 7.1. Loosen the lock nut on the J 29763.
   2. 7.2. Place the contact pad of the J 29763 on the differential side bearing bore.
   3. 7.3. With the contact pad of the J 29763 touching the differential side bearing bore, push down on the J 29763 until the needle of the j 29763 has turned 3/4 of a turn clockwise.
   4. 7.4. Tighten the lock nut of the j 29763.
6. Rotate the J 33838 back and forth until the needle of the J 29763 indicates the lowest point in the differential side bearing bore.
7. At the lowest point of deflection, move the housing of the J 29763 until the needle indicates zero.
8. Move the j 33838 back and forth again to verify the zero setting. Adjust the housing of the J 29763 as necessary to set the needle to zero.
9. After the zero setting is obtained and verified, grasp the J 33838  by the flats and move the J 33838  out of the differential side bearing bore.
10. The value indicated on the J 29763  is the thickness of the shim needed in order to set the depth of the pinion.
11. Select the shim that indicates the proper thickness. Measure the shim with a micrometer in order to verify that the thickness is correct.
12. Remove the pinion depth setting tools.
    Fig 2: Pinion Depth Setting Tools J 33838 & J 29763

    Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
13. Remove the pinion bearings.
14. Install the pinion shim between the pinion and the inner pinion bearing. Refer to DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER ASSEMBLY - ASSEMBLE .