Differential Case Assembly Disassemble: Disassemble

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. See Special Tools .
3. Remove the differential side bearings using theJ 22888-20A .
Remove the differential assembly from the vise.

Fig 2: Identifying Ring Gear Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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

Remove the ring gear bolts. Discard the bolts.

Fig 3: Removing Ring Gear From Differential

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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 4: View Of Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt

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Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.

Fig 5: View Of Differential And Pinion Shaft

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Remove the pinion shaft.
Remove the differential side gear spacers.

Fig 6: Identifying Differential Pinion Gears & Thrust Washers

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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 7: Differential Side Gears & 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.