GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Remover
    • J 37780 Axle Shaft Remover

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 174476  Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Drain the front differential housing oil (2). Refer to Lubricant Change .

  3. Object Number: 627867  Size: SH
  4. Drain the transfer case oil (2). Refer to Oil Replacement .
  5. Remove the right front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

  6. Object Number: 464642  Size: SH
  7. Remove the right side ABS sensor (3) (If equipped).
  8. Remove the right outer tie rod lock nut.
  9. Separate the right outer tie rod from the steering knuckle using the J 24319-B .
  10. Remove the left front axle. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side and the right front axle, refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  11. Remove the front propeller shaft. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft Replacement (Front).

  12. Object Number: 174505  Size: SH
  13. Remove the right side drive axle (1) from the front differential housing using the J 37780 .

  14. Object Number: 174506  Size: SH
  15. Remove the left side drive axle flange bolts and position drive axle (3) aside.
  16. Disconnect vent hoses.
  17. Remove the front drive shaft to front axle bolts.
  18. Remove the front drive shaft.

  19. Object Number: 461952  Size: SH
  20. Remove the front differential rear mount nuts and bolts (1).
  21. Remove the mount (2).
  22. Support the front differential for removal.
  23. Remove the front differential to the right side mount bolts.
  24. Remove the front differential to the left side mount bolts.
  25. Lower the front differential with assistants.
  26. Remove the left side output shaft axle from the differential housing.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 461952  Size: SH
  1. Raise the front differential housing with assistants and support with a suitable hydraulic jack.
  2. 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.

  3. Install the front differential mount (1) to left mounting bolts.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  5. Install the front differential to right mounting bolts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  7. Remove the hydraulic jack from supporting the front differential.
  8. Install the front differential rear mount and the nuts and bolts.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the front differential rear mount bolts (1) and nuts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  10. Install the left front axles. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side and the right front axle, refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side in Wheel Drive Shafts.
  11. Connect the vent hoses.

  12. Object Number: 464671  Size: SH
  13. Install the Front Propeller Shaft. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement .
  14. Install the front skid plate and bolts.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the front skid plate bolts to 54 N·m (40 lb ft).

  16. Install the washer (1) and the right side front axle snap ring (2).

  17. Object Number: 627867  Size: SH
  18. Install the right side wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  19. Fill the transfer case. Refer to Oil Replacement .
  20. Tighten
    Tighten the transfer case fill plug (1) to 28 N·m (21 lb ft).


    Object Number: 174476  Size: SH
  21. Fill the front differential housing. Refer to Lubricant Change .
  22. Tighten
    Tighten the front differential fill plug (1) to 28 N·m (21 lb ft).

  23. Lower the vehicle.