Front Differential Case Disassemble (8.25 Inch Axle): Disassemble

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 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 8107-2 (1) as shown.
3. Remove the differential side bearings using the J 22888-20A .
Remove the differential assembly from the vise.

Fig 2: Identifying Ring Gear Bolts

GM866503

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

GM866502

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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: Driving Out Pinion Shaft Pin (8.25 Inch Axle)

GM168052

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the pinion shaft pin.
Use a hammer and a drift pin in order to drive out the pin.

Fig 5: View Of Differential And Pinion Shaft

GM851733

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the pinion shaft.

Fig 6: Exploded View Of Differential Case

GM680404

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the differential pinion gears and the differential side gears by performing the following steps:
1. Roll the differential pinion gears out of the case with the pinion gear thrust washers.
2. Remove the differential side gears and the side gear thrust washers.
  Mark the pinion gears and thrust washers top and bottom and the differential side gears and thrust washers left and right.