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Home >> GMC >> 2006 >> Sierra 1500 HD, RWD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1014 (Rear Drive Axle) >> Repair Instructions >> Differential Replacement (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axle) >> Installation Procedure

Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 GMC Sierra, 2008 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2008 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Install the ring gear, if necessary. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD, and 11.5 Inch Axles)  or Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) .
  2. Install the differential side bearings, if necessary. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement (All Except 9.75 Inch Axle) .
  3. Lubricate the differential side bearings with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
  4. Fig 1: View Of Differential Case And Axle Housing
    GM667660Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Place the case, with the bearing cups installed, into the axle housing.

    Support the case in order to keep the case from falling out of the axle housing.

  6. Fig 2: Removing/Installing Bearing Cap Bolt
    GM667502Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  7. Install the bearing caps and the bolts.

    Do not torque the bearing cap bolts at this time.

  8. Fig 3: Turning Adjusters Using J 24429
    GM694535Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Turn the adjusters evenly on each side using the J 24429  until snug against the differential. See Special Tools .
  10. Adjust the differential side bearing preload. Refer to Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axles)  or Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle)  or Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (9.5, and 9.5LD Inch Axles) .
  11. Adjust the backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle)  or Backlash Adjustment (10.5, 11.5 Inch Axles)  or Backlash Adjustment (9.5 LD Axle) .
  12. Perform a gear tooth contact pattern check. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection .
  13. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice .
  14. Tighten the bearing cap bolts.

    Tighten: 

    • Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 185 N.m (136 lb ft) (10.5 inch axle).
    • Tighten the bearing cap bolts to 207 N.m (153 lb ft) (11.5 inch axle).

  15. Install the axle shafts and new gaskets. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
  16. Install the rear axle housing cover and a new gasket. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  17. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations .
  18. Lower the vehicle.