GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Differential Replacement 11 Inch Axle

Tools Required

    • J 26900-13 Magnetic Indicator Base
    • J 24385-C Axle Housing Spreader
    • J 8001 Dial Indicator

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
  3. Remove rear axle housing cover. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  4. Remove the bearing cap bolts.
  5. Important: Corresponding letters are stamped on the bearing caps and axle housing. The bearing caps must be reassembled in the same position as removed.

  6. Remove the bearing caps.
  7. Install the J 8001 to the J 26900-13 .

  8. Object Number: 756302  Size: SH

    Caution: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, support the differential case when removing the case from the axle housing. If the case is not supported, the differential case could fall and cause personal injury or damage to the differential case.

  9. Install the J 24385-C (2), the J 26900-13 , and the J 8001 (1) to the differential housing as shown.
  10. Preset the gage to a minimum of 5 mm (0.200 in). Rotate the indicator housing to on the dial to align the indicator needle and the indicator housing to zero.
  11. Notice: Do not spread the axle housing more than 0.38 mm (0.015 inch). Overspreading the housing may result in component damage.

  12. Spread the housing while examining the J 8001 .

  13. Object Number: 168049  Size: SH
  14. Remove the case from the housing using 2 pry bars.
  15. Remove the J 24385-C , the J 26900-13 , and the J 8001 from the differential housing.
  16. Important: Mark the differential side bearing preload shims left or right.

  17. Remove the differential side bearing preload shims.
  18. Remove the ring gear. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .
  19. Remove the differential side bearings. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement .

Installation Procedure

  1. Determine the total shim pack size for the differential case assembly. Refer to Determining Total Shim Pack Size .
  2. Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
  3. Install the rear axle housing cover. Refer to Rear Axle Housing Cover and Gasket Replacement .
  4. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Lubricant Change .
  5. Lower the vehicle.