- Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
- If the vehicle is equipped with an engine skid plate, remove the four bolts that hold the skid plate in place. Remove the front skid plate from the vehicle.
- Place a drain pan or suitable container under the front axle housing.
- Remove the front axle housing oil level/filler plug (1) from the front axle housing.
- Remove the front axle housing drain plug (2) from the front axle housing and drain the front axle oil.
- Install the front axle housing drain plug (2) into the front axle housing.
- Refill the front axle housing with approximately 1 liter (1 qt) of 80W-90 GL5 lubricant GM P/N 12345977 (Canadian P/N 10953842), or equivalent.
- Install the front axle housing oil level/filler plug into the front axle housing.
- If the vehicle is equipped with an engine skid plate, install the front skid plate to the vehicle. Secure the skid plate with 4 bolts.
- Remove the drain pan from under the front axle housing.
- Lower the vehicle.
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.
Tighten
Tighten the front axle housing drain plug to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).
Tighten
Tighten the front axle housing oil level/filler plug to 40 N·m
(30 lb ft).
Tighten
Tighten the front skid plate bolts to 54 N·m (40 lb ft).
