1. Clean the rear axle housing with steam.

Important: Shift the two speed rear axle into LOW range, if equipped.

2. Block the wheels.
3. Remove the rear axle housing drain plug. Refer to Lubricant Change .
4. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to the following list in order to select the correct procedure:

•	Propeller Shaft Replacement - One-Piece - Yoke Type .

•	Propeller Shaft Replacement - One Piece - Flange Type .

•	Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece - Flange Type .

•	Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece - Yoke Type .

•	Propeller Shaft Replacement - Three Piece - Flange Type .

•	Propeller Shaft Replacement - Three Piece - Yoke Type .

5. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
6. Remove the shift motor assembly, if equipped. Refer to Two Speed Rear Axle Shift Motor Replacement .



7. Remove the following components from the differential carrier assembly:

•

The bolts

•	The washers

•	The stud nuts, if equipped

•	Do not remove the top two fasteners.

8. Support and secure the differential carrier assembly to a floor jack.

8.1.	Remove the top two fasteners.

8.2.	Remove the differential carrier assembly.

9. Clean the axle housing and the differential carrier assembly mating surfaces.
10. Clean the axle housing bowl interior using Engine Degreaser GM P/N 1050436 or the equivalent. Dry the housing bowl immediately with clean rags and compressed air.
11. Inspect the axle housing for the following conditions:

•

Cracks

•	Loose Studs

•

Nicks

•

Burrs

Important: 

1. Install the Silicone Sealer (RTV) GM P/N 1052366 or equivalent on the rear axle housing surface.
2. Install the differential carrier assembly.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

Important: 

•	Ensure that the threads are clean and free of grease.

•	Apply 272 Threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 or equivalent to the threads of each differential carrier bolt.

3. Install the following differential carrier components:

•	The washers

•

The bolts

•	The nuts, if equipped

Tighten
Tighten the differential carrier bolts and nuts to the torques listed in Fastener Tightening Specifications .

4. Install the rear axle shift motor assembly, if equipped. Refer to Two Speed Rear Axle Shift Motor Replacement
5. Install the rear axle shafts.Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
6. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to the following list in order to select the correct procedure:

•	Propeller Shaft Replacement - One-Piece - Yoke Type .

•	Propeller Shaft Replacement - One Piece - Flange Type .

•	Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece - Flange Type .

•	Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece - Yoke Type .

•	Propeller Shaft Replacement - Three Piece - Flange Type .

•	Propeller Shaft Replacement - Three Piece - Yoke Type .

7. Install the rear axle lubricant. Refer to Lubricant Change .
8. Remove the wheel blocks.