Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2008 GMC Yukon XL, 2008 GMC Yukon, 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2008 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche. 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 assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) or Differential Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) .
Remove the pinion flange/yoke and the oil seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) .

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

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Ensure that the J 22536 is firmly seated on the drive pinion. See Special Tools .

Using the J 22536 and a hammer, remove the drive pinion from the housing. See Special Tools . DO NOT let the drive pinion fall out of the rear axle housing.

Fig 2: View Of Collapsible Spacer & Pinion

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the collapsible spacer from the pinion. Discard the spacer.
Remove the pinion bearings and the cups. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) .

Fig 3: Identifying Ring Gear Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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

Remove the ring gear bolts. DO NOT re-use the ring gear bolts. Discard and replace with NEW.

Fig 4: View Of From Differential Ring Gear Removal

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: Refer to Ring Gear Removal Notice .

Using a brass drift, remove the ring gear from the differential.