LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> GMC >> 2003 >> Safari Van Cargo, AWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Drivelines & Axles >> Differentials & Drive Axles >> Rear Drive Axle >> Repair Instructions >> Differential Overhaul >> Assembly Procedure

Assembly Procedure

  1. Lubricate the pinion and side gears with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS in General Information.
  2. 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.

  3. Install the differential pinion gears and pinion gear thrust washers by performing the following steps:
    1. 3.1. Position one pinion gear between the differential side gears.
    2. 3.2. Position the second pinion gear between the differential side gears directly opposite of the first gear.
    3. 3.3. Rotate the differential side gears until the pinion tears are directly opposite the opening in the differential case.
    4. 3.4. Install the thrust washers.

      Rotate the pinion gears toward the opening in order to permit the sliding in of the thrust washers.

    Fig 1: Differential Pinion Gears & Pinion Gear Thrust Washers
    G01643143Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  4. Install the pinion shaft.
    NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
  5. Install a new pinion shaft lock bolt.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the new pinion shaft lock bolt to 25 N.m (19 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.

  6. Install the ring gear to the differential case.
    Fig 2: Installing Ring Gear To Differential Case
    G01643144Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Important:  The ring gear bolts have left-hand threads.

  7. Install the new ring gear bolts.

    Hand start each bolt to ensure that the ring gear is properly installed to the differential case.

    Fig 3: Ring Gear Bolts
    G01643145Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  8. 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).

  9. Install the differential side bearings by doing the following:
    • In order to protect the differential case, install the J 8107-2  in the case on the side opposite the bearing installation.
    • Install the J 25299  92) and the J 8092  (1) onto the differential case bearing as shown.
    • Drive the bearing onto the case using the J 25299  (2) and the J 8092  (1).
      Fig 4: Installing J 25299 & J 8092 Onto Differential Case Bearing
      G01643146Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.