Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 GMC Sierra, 2009 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2009 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Remove the differential case assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5 LD Inch Axles) or Differential Replacement (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axle) .
Remove the differential pinion yoke and the oil seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement .

Fig 1: View Of Special Tool J 22536 Or J 44421 On Pinion

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE:

Ensure that the J 22536: remover and the J 44421: remover are firmly seated on the differential pinion gear.
When removing the differential pinion gear, DO NOT let the differential pinion gear fall out of the axle housing.

Using the J 22536: remover or the J 44421: remover and a hammer, remove the differential pinion gear from the axle housing.

Fig 2: View Of Collapsible Spacer & Pinion

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove and discard the collapsible spacer from the pinion.
Remove the differential pinion bearings and the cups. Refer to Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.6, 9.5, 11.5 Inch Axle) or Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) .

NOTE: The differential ring gear bolts on the 8.6 inch and the 9.5/9.5LD inch axles have left-hand threads. The differential ring gear bolts on the 11.5 inch axle have right-hand threads.

Remove and discard the differential gear bolts. Replace with NEW only.

CAUTION: Refer to Ring Gear Removal Caution .

NOTE: It maybe necessary to use a brass drift and a hammer to remove the differential ring gear from the differential case.

Remove the differential ring gear from the differential case.