Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 GMC Sierra and 2007 Chevrolet Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Rear Axle Vent Hose (8.6 or 9.5 Inch Ring Gear)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Remove the spare tire, if necessary.
Install adjustable jack stands under the rear axle, if necessary.
If equipped with a 8.6 or a 9.5 inch ring gear, remove the rear axle vent hose from the rear axle, if necessary.
Remove the vent hose swivel clip from the rear brake crossover pipe, if necessary.

Fig 2: Rear Axle Vent Hose (10.5 Inch Ring Gear)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

If equipped with a 10.5 inch ring gear, remove the rear axle vent hose from the rear axle, if necessary.
Remove the vent hose swivel clip from the rear brake crossover pipe, if necessary.

Fig 3: Rear Shock Absorber Bolts And Nuts (6.0L, 6.6L, and 8.1L Engines)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the rear shock absorber lower bolts and nuts, if necessary.
Lower the rear axle using the adjustable jack stands, if necessary.

Fig 4: View Of Catalytic Converter To Muffler Nuts

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Remove the catalytic converter to muffler nuts.

Fig 5: View Of Muffler Assembly Insulators

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Lubricate the 5 insulators where the muffler assembly hangers are inserted in order to ease removal.
With the aid of an assistant, remove the insulators (1-3) from the front, intermediate and rear muffler assembly hangers.

Fig 6: View Of Tail Pipe Hanger Insulator

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the insulator (1) from the tail pipe hanger and remove the muffler assembly.