Replacement

Differential Carrier Assembly Replacement

Removal Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Place a drain pan or suitable container under the rear axle housing.





3. Remove the rear axle housing drain plug (2) from the rear axle housing.
4. Drain the rear axle housing.
5. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies.
6. Remove the rear brake drums from the rear axle.
7. Remove both rear axle shafts from the rear axle housing.

Important: To ensure rear propeller shaft balance, an index mark (reference mark) must be placed on the differential pinion flange and the rear propeller shaft flange so that the rear propeller shaft can be installed in the same position from which it was removed. If this procedure is not followed, a driveline imbalance may result causing vibration, premature component wear or other undesirable characteristics.





8. Remove the following from the vehicle:
^ The 4 bolts
^ The 4 nuts
^ The rear propeller shaft (2)





9. Remove the 8 nuts and the differential carrier (1).





10. Remove the rear axle housing (2).
11. Clean the oil and sealant from the differential carrier and the rear axle housing mating surfaces.
12. Inspect the differential carrier.

Installation Procedure





1. Apply RTV silicone gasket and sealer GM P/N 12346240, or equivalent, to the differential carrier mating surface (1) on the rear axle housing (2).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





2. Install the differential carrier into the rear axle housing. Secure the differential carrier with 8 nuts (1).
^ Tighten the differential carrier nuts to 55 Nm (41 ft. lbs.).





3. Install the rear propeller shaft (2) into the vehicle.
Secure with 4 nuts and bolts.
^ Tighten the rear propeller shaft nuts and bolts to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).
4. Install both rear axle shafts into the rear axle housing.
5. Install the rear brake drums to the rear axle.
6. Install the rear tire and wheel assemblies.
7. Apply GM P/N 12346004, or equivalent, to the threaded portion of the rear axle housing drain plug.





8. Install the rear axle housing drain plug (2) into the rear axle housing.
^ Tighten the rear axle housing drain plug to 25 Nm (118 ft. lbs.).
9. Refill the rear axle housing with approximately 2.2 liters (4.6 pts.) of BOW-90 GI-5 lubricant GM P/N 12345977, or equivalent. The oil level should be even with the bottom of the rear axle housing oil level/filler plug hole.
10. Install the rear axle housing oil level/filler plug (1)into the rear axle housing.
^ Tighten the rear axle housing oil level/filler plug to 43 Nm (32 ft. lbs.).
11. Remove the drain pan from under the rear axle housing.
12. Lower the vehicle.