Front Differential Case Disassemble (8.25 Inch Axle)

Special Tools 

J 22888-D Side Bearing Remover Kit

1. Remove the differential side bearing by performing the following steps:
   1. Place the differential case in a vise.
   Fig 1: Removing Differential Side Bearing
   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
   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 .
2. Remove the differential assembly from the vise.
Fig 2: Ring Gear Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
NOTE:

The ring gear bolts have left-hand threads.

3. Remove the ring gear bolts. Discard the bolts.
Fig 3: Ring Gear
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION:

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.

4. Remove the ring gear from the differential case.

   Drive the ring gear off with a brass drift if necessary.

Fig 4: Punching Out Pinion Shaft Lock Pin
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
5. Remove the pinion shaft pin.

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

Fig 5: Differential And Pinion Shaft
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Remove the pinion shaft.
Fig 6: Exploded View Of Differential Case
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
7. 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.