Locking Differential Disassemble (8.6 Inch Axle): 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.

Remove the ring gear, if necessary. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) .

Fig 1: View Of Governor Bushing & J 26252

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the governor bushing using the J 26252 . See Special Tools .
Remove the governor assembly.
To aid in the removal of the governor assembly, turn the side gear as necessary to position the governor assembly between two of the side gear teeth.

Fig 2: View Of Latching Bracket Assembly

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the latching bracket assembly bushing using the J 26252 . See Special Tools .
To aid in the removal of the latching bracket assembly, turn the side gear as necessary to position the latching bracket assembly between two of the side gear teeth.
Remove the pinion shaft lock bolt.
Remove the pinion shaft.
Remove the differential pinion gears and the thrust washers.
Rotate the pinion gears and roll the pinion gears and the thrust washers out of the case through the differential window.

Mark the pinion gears and thrust washers accordingly for re-assembly.
Remove the thrust block.
Remove the right side gear and clutch discs assembly.
Remove the right side shim.

Fig 3: View Of Left Side Gear Cam Unit & Clutch Disc Assembly

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the left side gear cam unit and clutch disc assembly.

Fig 4: View Of Left Side Gear Thrust Washer

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the left side gear thrust washer.