Disassembly Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2002 GMC Yukon XL, 2002 GMC Yukon, 2002 GMC Sierra, 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2002 Chevrolet Suburban. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the differential side bearing by performing the following steps:
1. Place the differential case in a vise.
2. Install the J 22888-20A (2) and the J 36597 (1) as shown.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Differential Side Bearings
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. Remove the differential side bearings using the J 22888-20A .
Remove the differential assembly from the vise.
Important: The ring gear bolts have left-hand threads.
Remove the ring gear bolts. Discard the bolts.

Fig 2: 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 3: Removing Ring Gear From Differential Case
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.

Fig 4: Removing Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the pinion shaft.

Fig 5: Removing Pinion Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the differential side gear spacers.
Remove the differential pinion gears and thrust washers by performing the following steps:
1. Drive the pinion gear thrust washers out from the differential case using a hammer and a brass drift.
2. Roll the differential pinion gears out of the differential case.
  Mark the pinion gears and thrust washers top and bottom.
Fig 6: Removing Differential Pinion Gears And Thrust Washers
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the differential side gears and thrust washers.
Mark the differential side gears and thrust washers left and right.

Fig 7: Removing Differential Side Gears And Thrust Washers
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.