GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 3289-20 Holding Fixture
    • J 8092 Driver Handle
    • J 8614-01 Flange and Puller Holding Tool
    • J 37668-A Output Shaft Seal Installer
    • J 45239 Needle Bearing Installer
    • J 45759 Assembly Fixture

    Object Number: 1403987  Size: SH
  1. Attach the J 45759  (2) to the front transfer case using 4 suitable bolts. All of the transfer case assembly procedures can be performed with the case mounted to the J 45759  (2).
  2. Install the J 45759  (2) into the J 3289-20  (1) and secure with the pivot pin.

  3. Object Number: 1403891  Size: SH
  4. Apply a small amount of retaining compound GM P/N 12377901 (Canadian P/N 10953504), or equivalent, to the vent tube, if previously removed.
  5. Install the vent tube elbow, if damaged.
  6. Wipe any excess retaining compound from inside the front case half.

  7. Object Number: 1403988  Size: SH
  8. Using the J 8092  (1) and the J 45239  (2), install the sector bearing into the front case half to bottom. The seal side of the bearing faces outward.

  9. Object Number: 1403989  Size: SH
  10. Using a suitable adapter, install the input gear bearing into the front case half.

  11. Object Number: 1403981  Size: SH
  12. Install the input gear bearing outer retaining ring.

  13. Object Number: 1403991  Size: SH
  14. Using a brass drift, seat the input gear bearing outer retaining ring.

  15. Object Number: 1403992  Size: SH
  16. Using a suitable adapter, install the front output shaft bearing into the front case half.
  17. Install the front output shaft bearing outer retaining ring.

  18. Object Number: 1403993  Size: SH
  19. Using a brass drift, seat the front output shaft bearing outer retaining ring.

  20. Object Number: 1403976  Size: SH
  21. Install the front output shaft.

  22. Object Number: 1403974  Size: SH
  23. Using a suitable adapter, install the input gear needle bearing into the input gear.

  24. Object Number: 1403973  Size: SH
  25. Install the input gear rear thrust washer (5).
  26. The thrust washer with the tabs must be installed.

  27. Install the input gear (4) in the planetary carrier.
  28. Ensure the input gear turns freely. If the input gear does not turn freely, inspect for debris.
  29. Install the input gear front thrust washer (3).
  30. The thrust washer without the tabs must be installed.

  31. Install the planetary carrier lock plate (2).
  32. Install the planetary carrier lock plate retaining ring (1).

  33. Object Number: 1403994  Size: SH
  34. Install the high/low planetary assembly.
  35. It may be necessary to use a soft-face hammer to install.


    Object Number: 1456814  Size: SH
  36. Install the front output shaft bearing inner retaining ring.
  37. Install the input gear bearing inner retaining ring.

  38. Object Number: 1403968  Size: SH
  39. Install the sector assembly, aligning the detents with the shift detent plunger bore.

  40. Object Number: 1403969  Size: SH
  41. Install a new O-ring seal on the shift detent spring bolt.
  42. Notice: Refer to Component Fastener Tightening Notice in the Preface section.

  43. Install the shift detent plunger, spring, and bolt.
  44. Tighten
    Tighten the shift detent bolt to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1403966  Size: SH
  45. Install the shift fork pads to the high/low shift fork.
  46. Install the high/low range sleeve on the high/low shift fork.

  47. Object Number: 1403962  Size: SH
  48. Install the high/low range sleeve with the shift fork to the planetary carrier.
  49. Position the shift fork pin in the sector range slot.

  50. Object Number: 1456798  Size: SH
  51. Mount the mainshaft (1) in a soft-jaw vise with the input end up.
  52. Important: Proper orientation of the drive sprocket hub (2) and synchronizer hub (3) is critical.

  53. Install the drive sprocket hub (2) on the mainshaft (1).
  54. Install the synchronizer hub (3) on the mainshaft (1).
  55. Install the synchronizer hub retaining ring (4).
  56. Ensure the ring is fully seated in the groove.


    Object Number: 1403960  Size: SH
  57. Install the mainshaft assembly in the front case half.

  58. Object Number: 1403956  Size: SH
  59. Install the pads to the shift fork.
  60. Important: Ensure the long side of the synchronizer sleeve is facing toward the planetary assembly.

  61. Install the synchronizer sleeve on the 2/4 wheel drive mode shift fork.
  62. Install the shift rail and synchronizer sleeve, sliding the shaft through the high/low shift fork and into the front case half bore.

  63. Object Number: 1403958  Size: SH
  64. Install the 2/4 wheel drive synchronizer gear.

  65. Object Number: 1403950  Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Ensure the dark link is facing up.
       • If using the chain and sprockets again, align the darkened link with the marked sprockets made during disassembly.

  66. Install the drive chain to the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket.
  67. Install the drive chain and sprockets to the front output shaft and the mainshaft assembly.

  68. Object Number: 1403948  Size: SH
  69. Install the drive sprocket retaining ring (1).
  70. Install the driven sprocket retaining ring (2).

  71. Object Number: 1403952  Size: SH
  72. Install the magnet.

  73. Object Number: 1403947  Size: SH
  74. Install the shift fork shaft spring on the shift shaft.

  75. Object Number: 1403995  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure the locating pins are installed in the front case half.

  76. Install the locating pins in the front case, if necessary.

  77. Object Number: 1456816  Size: SH
  78. Using a suitable adapter, install the front output needle bearing into the rear case half.
  79. • The letters on the bearing face toward the tool.
    • Install the bearing flush with the lower edge of the chamfer.

    Object Number: 1456815  Size: SH
  80. Using a suitable adapter, install the rear output bearing into the rear case half.
  81. Install the rear output bearing outer retaining ring.

  82. Object Number: 1403939  Size: SH
  83. Install the oil pump suction pipe and screen into the rear case half.
  84. Ensure the oil pump end of the hose/pipe assembly is routed through the window in the case.

  85. Press the upper portion of the hose/pipe assembly into the rear case half to secure.

  86. Object Number: 1486663  Size: SH

    Notice: Apply the proper amount of sealant to the flange when assembling the transfer case. Excessive amounts of sealant can plug the oil pump screen, resulting in internal component failure.

    Important: Ensure both sealing surfaces of the front and rear case halves are free of dirt, oil, and cleaning solvent.

  87. Apply a 2 mm (0.078 in) bead of sealer GM P/N 12345739 (Canadian P/N 10953541), or equivalent, to the front case half.

  88. Object Number: 1403937  Size: SH
  89. Install the rear case half to the front case half.
  90. It may be necessary to lightly tap the rear case half with a rubber mallet in order to seat over the 2 dowels.

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1403933  Size: SH
  91. Install the 3 longer case half bolts in the locations marked during disassembly.
  92. Install the remaining case half bolts.
  93. Tighten
    Tighten the case half bolts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1403930  Size: SH
  94. Install the rear output bearing inner retaining ring.
  95. Ensure the ring is fully seated in the groove.


    Object Number: 163888  Size: SH
  96. Lightly lubricate the O-ring seal with clean manual transmission fluid.
  97. Install the O-ring seal into the oil pump assembly.

  98. Object Number: 1403927  Size: SH
  99. Install the oil pump assembly over the mainshaft.

  100. Object Number: 1486649  Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Do not grasp the upper connection hose (1).
       • Use care not to tear the O-ring seal.

  101. Using a pair of needle nose pliers, insert the upper connection tube (2) into the oil pump assembly (3).

  102. Object Number: 1486665  Size: SH

    Notice: Apply the proper amount of sealant to the flange when assembling the transfer case. Excessive amounts of sealant can plug the oil pump screen, resulting in internal component failure.

    Important: Ensure both sealing surfaces of the rear case half and retainer assembly are free of dirt, oil, and cleaning solvent.

  103. Apply a 2 mm (0.078 in) bead of sealer GM P/N 12345749 (Canadian P/N 10953541), or equivalent, to rear case half.

  104. Object Number: 1403996  Size: SH
  105. Using a suitable adapter, install the rear needle bearing into the retainer assembly.
  106. Install the retainer assembly.
  107. Install the retainer assembly bolts.
  108. Tighten
    Tighten the retainer assembly bolts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1456817  Size: SH
  109. Using the J 37668-A , install the rear output seal to the transfer case.

  110. Object Number: 1456819  Size: SH
  111. Install the rear output flange.
  112. Install the J 8614-01 to the rear output flange for support.
  113. Install the rear output flange nut.
  114. Tighten
    Tighten the rear output flange nut to 251 N·m (185 lb ft).

  115. Rotate the transfer case 180 degrees.

  116. Object Number: 1456818  Size: SH
  117. Using the J 37668-A , install the input and front output seals in the transfer case.

  118. Object Number: 1456821  Size: SH
  119. Install the front output flange and input flange.
  120. Install the J 8614-01 to the front output flange for support.
  121. Install the front output flange nut.
  122. Tighten
    Tighten the front output flange nut to 224 N·m (165 lb ft).

  123. Install the J 8614-01 to the input flange for support.
  124. Install the input flange nut.
  125. Tighten
    Tighten the input flange nut to 251 N·m (185 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1403889  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure the alignment sleeve is in position.

  126. Install the actuator insulator gasket on the encoder motor.
  127. Install the actuator encoder motor to the transfer case. Rotate the sector assembly shaft to align to the encoder motor.
  128. Install the mounting bolts for the actuator encoder motor.
  129. Tighten
    Tighten the actuator encoder motor mounting bolts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1403879  Size: SH
  130. Apply pipe sealant GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480), or equivalent, to the drain plug threads.
  131. Install the drain plug (2).
  132. Tighten
    Tighten the drain plug to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

  133. Apply pipe sealant GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480), or equivalent, to the fill plug threads.
  134. Install the fill plug (1).
  135. Tighten
    Tighten the fill plug to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).