GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tool Required

J 42178 Pinion and Side Gear Alignment Kit

  1. Clamp the differential carrier in a soft jawed vice.

  2. Object Number: 218745  Size: SH

    Important: The ring gear bolts are standard thread.

  3. Remove the differential ring gear bolts.

  4. Object Number: 218751  Size: SH

    Important: Do not allow the ring gear to drop onto the vice. Place rags or place a piece of wood on the vice to protect the ring gear upon removal.

  5. Use a piece of hardwood or use a brass drift and a deadblow hammer to drive off the ring gear from the differential carrier.

  6. Object Number: 218761  Size: SH

    Important: Drive out the differential pinion gear shaft from the side of the carrier at the machined recession in the shaft.

  7. Use a drift and a deadblow hammer or use a press to drive out the differential pinion gear shaft (1) from the differential carrier.

  8. Object Number: 218765  Size: SH
  9. Remove the differential pinion gear shaft retaining ring (1) from the differential carrier (2).
  10. Clamp the counterpiece of the J 42178 in a vice.
  11. Place the differential carrier onto the J 42178 with the ring gear flange towards the bottom, facing up.
  12. Attach the counterpiece of the J 42178 and attach a 1/2 in drive ratchet to the drive shaft pinion gear.

  13. Object Number: 218769  Size: SH
  14. Use a ratchet to rotate the J 42178 to walk the differential pinion gears (2) and the conical washers from the installed position while holding the differential carrier (1).
  15. Clean all the parts being reused.
  16. Inspect all the parts being reused for wear.
  17. Important: Keep the shims with the differential side gears as they were originally installed.

  18. Remove the differential side gears from the differential carrier.
  19. Remove the shims from the differential carrier.