GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • DT-47847 Front Output Shaft Seal Installer
    • DT-47946 Bearing Installer
    • J 3289-20 Holding Fixture
    • J 8614-01 Flange and Pulley Holding Tool
    • J 22912-B Rear Pinion and Axle Bearing Remover
    • J 36850 Transjel Lubricant
    • J 42176 Universal Driver Handle - Non-Threaded
    • J 42738 Seal Installer
    • J 45380 Transfer Case Rear Bushing Remover and Installer
    • J 45756 Rear Output Shaft Seal Installer
    • J 45757 Mainshaft Support Bushing and Bearing Installer
    • J 45759 Assembly Fixture

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1593940  Size: SH
  1. If removed, install the transfer case mounting studs.
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the adapter studs to 14 N·m (10 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1593942  Size: SH
  3. Using the adapter studs, attach the J 45759 to the front transfer case. All of the assembly procedures can be performed with the case mounted to the J 45759 .
  4. Install the J 45759  (2) into the J 3289-20  (1) and secure with the pivot pin.

  5. Object Number: 1565149  Size: SH
  6. If the vent is removed, apply pipe sealant GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) to the threads on the vent.
  7. Install the vent.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the vent to 6 N·m (53 lb in).


    Object Number: 1565148  Size: SH
  9. Install the ring gear in the front case half.

  10. Object Number: 1565146  Size: SH
  11. Install a NEW ring gear retaining ring.

  12. Object Number: 1565168  Size: SH

    Important: Lubricate all of the bearings and bearing journals with transfer case fluid during installation.

  13. Install the input shaft bearing in the front case half.
  14. • Use a hammer and a brass drift only on the outer bearing race.
    • Ensure the bearing is kept square to the bore while installing.

    Object Number: 1565169  Size: SH
  15. Install the front output shaft front bearing in the front case half.
  16. • Use a hammer and a brass drift only on the outer bearing race.
    • Ensure the bearing is kept square to the bore while installing.

    Object Number: 1549518  Size: SH
  17. Install the front output shaft.

  18. Object Number: 1549532  Size: SH

    Important: DT-47946 is a double ended tool. In order to install the mainshaft front support bearing to the proper depth, ensure the correct end of the DT-47946 is used.

    For the BW 4493 planetary carrier, the short reach end of the tool is used.

    For the BW 4494 planetary carrier, the long reach end of the tool is used.

  19. Using the J 42176  (1) and the DT-47946  (2), install the mainshaft front support bearing in the high/low planetary carrier assembly model 4493 (3) or 4494 (4).

  20. Object Number: 1549516  Size: SH
  21. Install the high/low planetary carrier assembly model 4494 (1) or 4493 (2).

  22. Object Number: 1549515  Size: SH
  23. Lubricate the input shaft needle thrust bearing with J 36850 or equivalent.
  24. Install the input shaft thrust bearing.

  25. Object Number: 1565145  Size: SH
  26. Install new shift fork pads, if removed.
  27. Install the high/low range sleeve in the high/low range fork.

  28. Object Number: 1549514  Size: SH
  29. Align the gear teeth on the high/low range shift sleeve to the high/low planetary carrier.
  30. Install the high/low range shift fork and the high/low range sleeve.

  31. Object Number: 1549511  Size: SH
  32. Install the mainshaft.

  33. Object Number: 1549506  Size: SH

    Notice: In order to prevent component damage, properly remove and install the shift cam and shaft assembly. When removing or installing the shift cam and shaft assembly, keep the shaft straight and do not tilt. Tilting the shift cam and shaft assembly in the transfer case housing will break the tip on the end of the shaft.

  34. Install the shift cam and shaft assembly.
  35. 20.1. Install the shift cam and shaft assembly straight, with the tip into the hole in the case.
    20.2. Rotate the high/low range shift fork to position the shift fork roller in the shift cam slot.

    Object Number: 1549504  Size: SH
  36. Install the shift fork shaft.

  37. Object Number: 1565144  Size: SH
  38. Connect the oil pump hose to the oil pump screen.
  39. Connect the oil pump hose to the oil pump.

  40. Object Number: 1549502  Size: SH
  41. Install the oil pump assembly with the hose and screen.
  42. 24.1. Align the square boss of the oil pump gear with the flat area on the mainshaft.
    24.2. Install the oil pump in the slot of the front case half. Ensure the wear clip is on the oil pump.
    24.3. Install the oil pump screen in the front case half.

    Object Number: 1549494  Size: SH
  43. Install the magnet.

  44. Object Number: 1549499  Size: SH
  45. Install the lower center support bearing thrust washer.

  46. Object Number: 1549498  Size: SH
  47. Install the center bearing support.

  48. Object Number: 1549497  Size: SH
  49. Install the upper center bearing support thrust washer.

  50. Object Number: 1549492  Size: SH
  51. Install the inner lockup hub.

  52. Object Number: 1565142  Size: SH
  53. Assemble the lockup mode shift collar assembly, if necessary.
  54. 30.1. Install the spring in the collar.
    30.2. Install the hub, with the external tabs toward the spring.
    30.3. Install the retainer ring in the collar.

    Object Number: 1565141  Size: SH
  55. Install the lockup mode shift fork to the lockup mode shift collar assembly.

  56. Object Number: 1549490  Size: SH
  57. Install the lockup mode shift collar assembly and lockup mode shift fork.
  58. • Slide the shift fork and collar assembly over the shift fork shaft.
    • Turn the mainshaft in order to align the slot on the inner lockup hub with the large tooth area on the hub of the lockup shift collar assembly.

    Object Number: 1549488  Size: SH

    Important: If using the chain and sprockets again, ensure to align the marks of the drive chain and sprockets.

  59. Install the drive chain and sprockets.
  60. • The blue link on the chain faces up.
    • Align the drive sprocket engagement teeth with the lockup shift assembly hub teeth.

    Object Number: 1549485  Size: SH
  61. Install the front output sun gear.

  62. Object Number: 819646  Size: SH

    Important: The planetary differential gears are timed to the sun gears. If the gears are not timed properly, the differential will not rotate without binding.

  63. With the rear side of the planetary differential facing up, align the marks on the pinion gears. Position the alignment marks with an area on the planetary differential that can be reference for all gears.

  64. Object Number: 1549484  Size: SH
  65. Install the planetary differential assembly.
  66. • Do not rotate the planetary differential pinion gears when installing.
    • Ensure the alignment marks are in position.
    • The single row pinion gears face rearward, or up. The double row pinion gears face forward, or down.

    Object Number: 1549483  Size: SH
  67. Lubricate the rear output shaft thrust washer with J 36850 or equivalent.
  68. Install the rear output shaft thrust washer.

  69. Object Number: 1549481  Size: SH
  70. Install the rear output sun gear.
  71. • The shoulder side of the gear faces up.
    • Do not rotate the differential pinion gears.

    Object Number: 1549534  Size: SH
  72. Temporarily install the rear output shaft to the planetary differential and the rear output sun gear.
  73. Rotate the rear output shaft 3 or 4 revolutions to rotate the planetary differential pinion gears. If properly aligned, the pinion gears will rotate freely and there will be no binding.
  74. Remove the rear output shaft without disturbing the rear sun gear.

  75. Object Number: 1549480  Size: SH
  76. Install the shift fork shaft spring.

  77. Object Number: 1565170  Size: SH
  78. Install the front output shaft rear bearing in the rear case half.
  79. • Use a hammer and a brass drift only on the outer bearing race.
    • Ensure the bearing is kept square to the bore while installing.

    Object Number: 1565156  Size: SH
  80. Install the shift shaft seal. The seal will install using hand pressure. The spring side, or opened side, of the seal faces outward.

  81. Object Number: 819638  Size: SH
  82. Using a hydraulic press and the J 22912-B , install the rear output shaft bearing.
  83. • The retaining ring groove on the bearing goes toward the input end, or forward.
    • Use a suitable press plate on the end of the rear output shaft.
    • Ensure the bearing is supported on the inner race.

    Object Number: 1565152  Size: SH
  84. Install a NEW rear output shaft bearing retaining ring.

  85. Object Number: 819639  Size: SH
  86. Using a hydraulic press, install a NEW speed sensor tone wheel.

  87. Object Number: 819652  Size: SH
  88. Using the J 42176  (1) and J 45757  (2), install the mainshaft rear support bushing in the rear output shaft.

  89. Object Number: 1565150  Size: SH
  90. Install the rear output shaft in the rear case half.
  91. 50.1. Spread the rear output shaft bearing outer retaining ring.
    50.2. Install the rear output shaft bearing outer retaining ring until it is seated in the bearing groove.

    Object Number: 1549535  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 that both the sealing surfaces on the front and rear case halves are free of dirt, oil, and cleaning solvent.
       • Ensure the locating pins are installed in the case halves.

  92. Install the locating pins in the front case and rear case half, if necessary.
  93. Apply a 3.175 mm (1/8 in) bead of room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) sealant GM P/N 12345739 (Canadian P/N 10953541), or equivalent, to the mating surfaces of the front case half.

  94. Object Number: 1549478  Size: SH
  95. Lower the rear case half into place.
  96. The rear output shaft may require rotating to align the teeth with the planetary differential.


    Object Number: 1549476  Size: SH

    Notice: This component is made of magnesium. Proper assembly is required to prevent damage. Ensure the magnesium transfer case housings are properly insulated from all external steel components, or galvanic corrosion will occur. New nylon coated case bolts and aluminum washers must be used. Use only aluminum fill and drain plugs. Use only aluminum brackets under the case bolts. Ensure new seals are installed that have a rubber insulated outside diameter and have no tears or cuts. Extensive damage will occur if there is galvanic corrosion between the magnesium and steel components.

  97. Inspect the case bolts nylon coating for cuts or tears.
  98. Replace the case bolts if there is any damage to the nylon coating.
  99. Important: The case bolts are self-tapping. They must be hand started. Do not use power assisted tools to install the bolts.

  100. Install the case bolts with washers, and the brackets.
  101. Tighten
    Tighten the case bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1549538  Size: SH
  102. Using the J 45380 , install the output shaft bushing, if removed or new.

  103. Object Number: 1565172  Size: SH
  104. Using the J 45756 , install the rear output shaft seal.

  105. Object Number: 819577  Size: SH
  106. Install the vehicle speed sensor with a new O-ring seal.
  107. Tighten
    Tighten the speed sensor to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1549473  Size: SH
  108. Apply a 3.175 mm (1/8 in) bead of RTV sealant GM P/N 12345739 (Canadian P/N 10953541), or equivalent, to the sealing surface of the encoder motor assembly.
  109. Install the encoder motor assembly (3). Rotate the shift detent lever to align to the encoder motor.
  110. Loosely install the encoder motor mounting bolts (1).
  111. Loosely install the encoder motor bracket bolt (2).
  112. Tighten

        • Tighten the encoder motor mounting bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).
        • Tighten the encoder motor bracket bolt to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

    Object Number: 1549464  Size: SH
  113. Apply pipe sealant GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) to the threads on the drain plug and fill plug.
  114. Install the drain plug and the fill plug.
  115. Tighten
    Tighten the drain plug and fill plug to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1549542  Size: SH
  116. Using the DT-47847 , install the front output shaft seal.

  117. Object Number: 1593944  Size: SH
  118. Install the front output shaft flange (4).
  119. Important: Ensure the seal is fully seated before installing the washer and nut.

  120. Install the front output shaft flange seal (3).
  121. Install the front output shaft flange washer (2).
  122. Install a NEW front output shaft flange nut (1).

  123. Object Number: 1593945  Size: SH
  124. Install the J 8614-01 to the front output shaft flange.
  125. Hold the J 8614-01 and tighten the front output shaft flange nut.
  126. Tighten
    Tighten the front output shaft flange nut to 319 N·m 235 lb ft.


    Object Number: 1593946  Size: SH
  127. Using the J 42738 , install the input shaft seal.
  128. Remove the transfer case from the J 45759 .