1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the rear propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.



3. Remove the four bolts that secure the rear extension housing to the rear retainer housing.

Remove the rear extension housing from the rear retainer housing.

Tap the extension housing with a rubber mallet in order to free the rear retainer housing.




4. Remove the rear bearing retainer snap ring.
5. Remove the five bolts securing the rear retainer housing to the transfer case.
6. Remove the rear retainer housing.
7. Remove the seal.

Use a screwdriver. Do not damage the sealing bore.

8. Clean the gasket surfaces with a suitable solvent.

Special Tools

J 29162 Seal Installer

1. Install the rear retainer housing.

•	Make sure the gasket surfaces are clean and free of grease and oil.

•	Apply the RTV sealer GM P/N 12345739 to the rear retainer housing sealing surfaces.

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.

2. Secure the rear retainer housing to the transfer case with the five bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the rear retainer housing bolts to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).




3. Install the snap ring.



4. Install the rear extension housing to the transfer case.

•	Clean the gasket surfaces thoroughly.

•	Apply RTV sealer GM P/N 12345739 to the rear extension housing sealing surfaces.

5. Install the four bolts that secure the rear extension housing to the rear retainer housing.

Tighten
Tighten the rear extension housing bolts to 31 N·m (23 lb ft).

6. Install the seal.

•	Lubricate the seal lips with transmission oil or with petroleum jelly.

•	Install the seal using the J 29162 .

7. Install the rear propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
8. Check the transfer case oil level. Add oil if necessary. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities .
9. Lower the vehicle.