Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2012 GMC Yukon XL, 2012 GMC Yukon, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2012 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) , Differential Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5 LD Inch Axles) .
Remove the pinion flange/yoke and the oil seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement .

Fig 1: Installing J 22536 Or J 44421 On Pinion

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:

DO NOT let the drive pinion fall out of the rear axle housing.

Using the J 22536 remover and a hammer, remove the drive pinion from the housing.

Fig 2: View Of Collapsible Spacer & Pinion

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Remove and discard the collapsible spacer from the pinion.
Remove the pinion bearings and the cups. Refer to Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) , Differential Drive Pinion Gear Bearing Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) .

Fig 3: Identifying Ring Gear Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE:

The ring gear bolts have left-hand threads.

Remove and discard the ring gear bolts. Use NEW ring gear bolts ONLY.

Fig 4: Removing Ring Gear From Differential

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

CAUTION:

Refer to Ring Gear Removal Caution .

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