Installation Procedure

Important:  The mating surface of the ring gear and the differential case must be clean and free of burrs before installing the ring gear.

1. Install the ring gear to the differential case.
   Fig 1: Installing Ring Gear To Differential Case

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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

2. Install the ring gear bolts.

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

   Fig 2: Ring Gear Bolts

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
   NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
3. Tighten the ring gear bolts. Tighten the ring gear bolts alternately and in stages, gradually pulling the ring gear into the differential case.

   Tighten 

   Tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 120 N.m (89 lb ft).

4. Install the pinion bearing cups. Refer to DRIVE PINION BEARINGS REPLACEMENT 
5. Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion gear. Refer to PINION DEPTH ADJUSTMENT .
6. Install the selective shim onto the pinion.
7. Install the inner pinion bearing to the pinion. Refer to DRIVE PINION BEARINGS REPLACEMENT .
8. Install a new collapsible spacer.
9. Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Refer to SPECIFICATIONS in General Information.
10. Install the outer pinion bearing into the axle housing.
11. Install the new pinion oil seal. Refer to DRIVE PINION FLANGE/YOKE AND/OR OIL SEAL REPLACEMENT .
12. Install the differential assembly. Refer to DIFFERENTIAL REPLACEMENT .
13. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to LUBRICANT REPLACEMENT - REAR DRIVE AXLE .
14. Lower the vehicle.