Installation 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.
- Using a soft-faced mallet, carefully tap the inner axle shaft until it is fully seated in the differential case side gear.
- Pull back on the inner axle shaft to ensure that the inner axle shaft is properly retained in the differential case side gear.
- Connect the wheel drive shaft to the inner axle shaft.
- Install the wheel drive shaft inboard flange to inner axle shaft bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the wheel drive shaft inboard flange to inner axle shaft bolts to 79 N.m (58 lb ft).
- Install the new inner axle shaft bearing and the seal to the axle housing. Refer to Front Drive Axle Inner Shaft Seal and Inner Shaft Bearing Replacement .
- Using a soft faced mallet, carefully tap the inner axle shaft (2) into the inner axle shaft housing (1).
- Place the inner axle shaft housing on end so that the splines of the inner axle shaft is facing up.
- For the 8.25 inch axle, install the following components into the inner axle housing:
- Clamp the inner axle shaft housing (4) in a vise. Clamp only on the mounting flange.
- Axle shaft tabbed thrust washer (6)
- Axle shaft thrust washer (7)
- Axle shaft snap ring (8)
- Shifter connector gear (9)
- Shifter fork (11)
- Shifter fork rod (10)
- Shifter fork spring (12)
- Inner Axle shaft housing gasket (5)
IMPORTANT: Use chassis grease in order to hold the thrust washer in place. - For the 9.25 inch axle, install the following components into the inner axle shaft housing:
- Thrust washer (5). Ensure the tabs on the thrust washer are aligned with the slots in the inner axle shaft housing (4).
- Retainer ring (6) onto the inner axle shaft (1)
- Determine the clutch gear shim thickness. Refer to Inner Axle Shaft Shim Adjustment .
- Clutch gear shim (8)
- Clutch sleeve (7)
- Clutch fork assembly (10)
- Clutch fork inner spring (9)
IMPORTANT: Use chassis grease in order to hold the thrust washer in place. - If servicing the 9.25 inch axle, apply sealant to the inner axle housing to differential carrier sealing surface. Use the correct sealant. Refer to Adhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers .
- If servicing the 8.25 inch axle, install the axle housing gasket on to the differential carrier.
- Install the inner axle shaft housing assembly to the differential carrier assembly.
- If servicing the 8.25 inch axle, install the inner axle shaft housing bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the inner axle shaft housing bolts to 55 N.m (41 lb in).
- If servicing the 9.25 inch axle, install the inner axle shaft housing bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the inner axle shaft housing bolts to 40 N.m (30 lb in).
- Slide the front axle mounting bracket towards the frame.
- Install the front axle mounting bracket studs into the inner shaft housing mounting flange.
- It may be necessary to push up on the front axle mounting bracket and/or pull down on the inner axle housing in order to gain enough clearance to install the mounting bracket studs into the inner shaft housing.
- Install the front axle mounting bracket to frame nuts.
Tighten: Tighten the inner axle shaft housing mounting bracket to frame nuts to 90 N.m (67 lb ft).
- Install the inner axle shaft housing washers and nuts to the bracket.
Tighten: Tighten the inner axle shaft housing nuts to 100 N.m (75 lb ft).
- Connect the wheel drive shaft inboard flange to the inner axle shaft.
- Install the wheel drive shaft inboard flange to the inner axle shaft bolts.
Tighten: Tighten the wheel drive shaft inboard flange to inner axle shaft bolts to 79 N.m (58 lb ft).
- Connect the wire harness to the inner axle shaft housing.
- Connect the electrical connector to actuator.
- For vehicles equipped with the 9.25 inch axle, install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (2500) or Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (1500) .
- For vehicles equipped with the 8.25 inch axle, install the front shock module. Refer to Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Replacement .
- With either replacement procedure, fill the differential carrier assembly with axle lubricant. Use the correct fluid. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Replacement .
- Lower the vehicle.
IMPORTANT:
If only the left side inner axle shaft was removed, install the shaft by performing the following.
NOTE:
Refer to Fastener Notice
.
IMPORTANT:
If the right side inner axle shaft and/or housing was removed, install the shaft and/or housing following the steps.
IMPORTANT:
The following service procedure is for the 9.25 inch axle ONLY. If servicing the 8.25 inch axle, proceed to step 12. The 8.25 inch axle uses a gasket.
IMPORTANT:
If servicing the 9.25 inch axle, proceed to step 15.
IMPORTANT:
For 25/35 series vehicles, perform the following steps in order to install the front axle mounting bracket to the inner axle shaft housing.