Important: The mating surface
of the ring gear and the differential case must be clean and free of burrs before
installing the ring gear.
- Install the ring gear to the differential case.
Important: The ring gear bolts
have left-hand threads.
- Install the new ring gear bolts.
Hand start each bolt to ensure
that the ring gear is properly installed to the differential case.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
- For vehicles equipped with the 8.6 axle, tighten the new ring gear bolts alternately
and in stages, gradually pulling the ring gear onto the differential case.
Tighten
Tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 120 N·m
(89 lb ft).
- For vehicles equipped with the 9.5/9.5 LD axle, tighten the new ring gear
bolts alternately and in stages, gradually pulling the ring gear onto the differential
case.
Tighten
Tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 140 N·m
(103 lb ft).
- Install the drive pinion bearing cups. Refer to
Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement
.
- Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion gear. Refer to
Pinion Depth Adjustment
.
- Install the selective shim onto the pinion.
- Install the inner pinion bearing onto the drive pinion. Refer to
Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement
.
- Install a new collapsible spacer.
- Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Refer to
Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
in Maintenance and Lubrication.
- Install the pinion to the axle housing.
- Install the outer pinion bearing.
- Install a new pinion oil seal using the J 38694
.
- Apply sealant, GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480)
or equivalent, to the splines of the pinion yoke.
- Install the pinion yoke.
Align the marks
made during removal.
- Seat the pinion yoke onto the pinion shaft by tapping it with a soft-faced
hammer until a few pinion shaft threads show through the yoke.
- Install the washer and a new pinion nut.
- Install the J 8614-01
onto the pinion yoke as shown.
Important: If the rotating torque is exceeded,
the pinion will have to be removed and a new collapsible spacer installed.
- Tighten the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01
.
Tighten
Tighten the pinion nut until the pinion end play
is just taken up. Rotate the pinion while tightening the nut to seat the bearings.
- Measure the rotating torque of the pinion using an
inch-pound torque wrench.
Specification
The rotating torque of the pinion should be
1.0-2.3 N·m (10-20 lb in) for used bearings
or 1.7-3.4 N·m (15-30 lb in) for new bearings.
- If the rotating torque measurement is below 1.0 N·m (10 lb in)
for used bearings, or 1.7 N·m (15 lb in) for new bearings,
continue to tighten the pinion nut.
Tighten
Tighten the pinion nut, in small increments, as
needed, until the torque required in order to rotate the pinion is 1.0-2.3 N·m
(10-20 lb in) for used bearings or 1.7-3.4 N·m
(15-30 lb in) for new bearings.
- Once the specified torque is obtained, rotate the pinion several times
to ensure the bearings have seated.
Recheck the rotating torque and adjust
if necessary.
- Install the differential assembly. Refer to
Differential Replacement
.
- Install the axle shafts. Refer to
Rear Axle Shaft Replacement
.
- Install the brake rotors. Refer to
Rear Brake Rotor Replacement
in Disc
Brakes.
- Install the brake calipers. Refer to
Rear Brake Caliper Replacement
in
Disc Brakes.
- Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
in Tires and Wheels.
- Fill the axle with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to
Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement
.
- Lower the vehicle.