Replacement

Differential Carrier Assembly Replacement

Removal Procedure





1. Unlock the steering column so the steering linkage is free to move.
2. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
3. Place jack stands or utility stands (such as GMDE 123-B67313) at the rear end of the vehicle.
4. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies.
5. Remove the steering linkage shield.
6. Remove the differential carrier shield (if equipped).
7. Drain the front drive axle.
8. Remove the lower part of shock absorber bolt and nut.
9. Remove the wheel drive shafts.
10. Remove the front propeller shaft.
11. Remove the steering relay rod from the idler and pitman arms.
12. Disconnect the electrical connector from the four-wheel drive indicator switch.
13. Disconnect the clutch cable from the differential carrier assembly.
14. Disconnect the vent hose from the differential carrier assembly.
15. Attach a transmission jack to the differential carrier assembly.
16. Remove the inner axle shaft housing to frame bracket bolts, nuts and washers.





17. Remove the lower differential carrier assembly mounting bolt and the nut.
18. Remove the upper differential carrier assembly mounting bolt and the nut.
19. Remove the differential carrier assembly by rolling the carrier counterclockwise while lifting up to gain clearance from the mounting ears.

Installation Procedure
1. Install the differential carrier assembly to the vehicle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





2. Install the upper differential carrier assembly mounting bolt, the washer, and the nut.
Install the lower differential carrier assembly mounting bolt, the washer, and the nut.
Tighten the differential carrier assembly bolts to 103 Nm (76 ft. lbs.).
3. Install the inner axle housing to frame bolts, the washers, and the nuts.
Tighten the inner axle housing nuts to 98 Nm (72 ft. lbs.).
4. Install the clutch cable to the differential carrier assembly.
5. Connect the vent hose to the differential carrier assembly.
6. Install the electrical connector to the four-wheel drive indicator switch.
7. Install the relay arm to the idler and pitman arms.
8. Install the front propeller shaft.
9. Install the wheel drive shafts.
10. Install the lower part of shock absorber bolt and nut.
11. Inspect the axle lubricant level and add, if necessary.
12. Install the steering linkage shield.
13. Install the differential shield (if equipped).
14. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies.
15. Remove the jack/utility stands.
16. Lower the vehicle.