GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2008 🢒 TopKick C-Series (Conventional) C4/C5 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Rear Drive Axle 🢒 Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
  3. Remove the differential case assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement .
  4. Remove the drive pinion yoke and the oil seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal Replacement .
  5. Remove the thrust washer and the outer pinion bearing.
  6. Remove the drive pinion from the axle using a soft-faced hammer.

    7. Important: The location of the pinion preload shims may vary. The pinion preload shims may also be located on the backface of the outer pinion bearing or in the oil sump.

  7. Remove the pinion preload shims from the drive pinion and set aside.
  8. Remove the inner pinion bearing and the pinion position shim. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement .
  9. Remove the ring gear bolts.

    10. Discard the ring gear bolts.

    Notice: Do not pry the ring gear from the differential case. Prying the ring gear from the differential case may cause damage to the ring gear and/or the differential case.

  10. Remove the ring gear from the differential case assembly. Drive the gear off with a brass drift if necessary.

Installation Procedure
  1. Determine the pinion position shim thickness and the pinion preload shim thickness for the drive pinion gear. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment .

    2. Object Number: 680402 Size: SH

    Important: The mating surface of the ring gear and the differential case must be clean and free of burrs before installing the ring gear.

  2. Install the ring gear to the differential case.

    3. Align the bolt holes between the ring gear and the differential case.

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  3. Install the new ring gear bolts. Tighten the ring gear bolts alternately and in stages, gradually pulling the ring gear onto the differential case.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 298 N·m (220 lb ft).

  4. Install the differential case assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement .
  5. Install the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
  6. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  7. Lower the vehicle.