GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 3289-20 Holding Fixture
    • J 8092 Universal Driver
    • J 22873 Mainshaft Bushing Installer
    • J 36370 Drive Sprocket Needle Bearing Installer
    • J 37668-A Output Shaft Seal Installer
    • J 42737 Sector Bearing Installer
    • J 42738 Seal Installer
    • J 44295 Clutch Pack Shimming Kit
    • J 44636-1 Front Output Shaft Seal Protector
    • J 44636-2 Front Output Shaft Seal Installer
    • J 45237 Input Gear Thrust Bearing Installer
    • J 45380 Transfer Case Rear Bushing Remover and Installer
    • J 45759 Assembly Fixture

    Object Number: 165657  Size: SH
  1. Install the mounting studs to the height of 29.5-30.5 mm (1.16-1.20 in).

  2. Object Number: 819573  Size: SH
  3. Attach the J 45759 to the front transfer case using the adapter studs. 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: 164524  Size: SH
  6. Install the front output shaft bearing.

  7. Object Number: 164528  Size: SH
  8. Install the front output shaft bearing retaining ring.

  9. Object Number: 801306  Size: SH
  10. Using the J 8092  (1) and the J 36370  (2), install the front output shaft rear bearing.

  11. Object Number: 801302  Size: SH
  12. Using the J 42737 , install the control actuator lever shaft bearing.

  13. Object Number: 801290  Size: SH
  14. Lubricate the control actuator lever shaft bearing.
  15. Install the control actuator lever shaft.

  16. Object Number: 801289  Size: SH
  17. Install the NEW retaining ring for the control actuator lever shaft. Ensure the retaining ring is fully seated.

  18. Object Number: 801292  Size: SH
  19. Using the J 22873 and a hydraulic press, install the tone wheel on the front output shaft.

  20. Object Number: 701643  Size: SH
  21. Install the front output shaft assembly. Use a soft-face hammer to tap the shaft into the bearing.

  22. Object Number: 701637  Size: SH

    Important: Do not scratch the oil seal surface on the front input shaft while installing the retaining ring.

  23. Install the front output shaft retaining ring.

  24. Object Number: 894597  Size: SH

    Important: The bearing installed depth is 33 mm (1.30 in) from the face of the gear, or just below the taper of the bore.

  25. Install the pilot bearing in the input shaft, using the J 8092  (1) and the J 45237  (2).

  26. Object Number: 701640  Size: SH
  27. Install the input shaft bearing.

  28. Object Number: 701634  Size: SH
  29. Install the input shaft assembly.
  30. 16.1. Ensure the bearing is square to the case.
    16.2. Use a soft-face hammer to tap the shaft and bearing into the case.

    Object Number: 701631  Size: SH
  31. Install the input shaft bearing inner retaining ring.

  32. Object Number: 164463  Size: SH
  33. Install the input shaft retaining ring onto the input shaft.
  34. • Use snap ring pliers to position the retaining ring onto the input shaft.
    • During installation of the retaining ring, do not scratch/damage the seal surface area of the input shaft with the retaining ring.

    Object Number: 701627  Size: SH
  35. Install the clutch lever assembly.

  36. Object Number: 701623  Size: SH
  37. Install new O-ring seals on the clutch lever pivot pins.
  38. Apply threadlock GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488), or equivalent, to the clutch lever pivot pin threads.
  39. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  40. Install both clutch lever pivot pins with the aluminum washers and O-ring seals.
  41. Tighten
    Tighten the clutch lever pivot pins to 61 N·m (45 lb ft).


    Object Number: 164548  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the shift detent plunger is seated correctly on the control actuator lever.

  42. Install the shift detent plunger.
  43. Install the shift detent spring.
  44. Lightly lubricate a NEW shift detent plunger O-ring seal with transfer case fluid.
  45. Install the O-ring seal on the shift detent spring bolt.
  46. Install the shift detent spring bolt in the front transfer case.
  47. Tighten
    Tighten the shift detent spring bolt to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).


    Object Number: 164507  Size: SH

    Important: The following service procedure is to be performed only if the rear output shaft is new.

  48. Install the rear output shaft oil restrictor flush with the end of the shaft.

  49. Object Number: 857326  Size: SH

    Important: In order to position the bearing at the proper depth, ensure that the double shoulder of the J 36370 is against the bearing.

  50. Install the clutch housing bearing, using the J 8092  (1) and the J 36370  (2).

  51. Object Number: 695496  Size: SH
  52. Clamp the rear output shaft in a soft-jaw vise with the front end facing up.
  53. Install the clutch housing on the rear output shaft.

  54. Object Number: 1492313  Size: SH
  55. Install the clutch hub.

  56. Object Number: 892510  Size: SH
  57. Install a friction clutch pressure plate.
  58. Install a steel clutch pressure plate.
  59. Continue to install the friction and the steel clutch plates, alternating until 8 friction plates and 7 steel plates are installed.

  60. Object Number: 163895  Size: SH
  61. Install the clutch hub retaining ring.

  62. Object Number: 1361135  Size: SH

    Important: A clutch plate shim package is necessary in order to have the proper shims available for setting up the clutch pack. Improper shimming can cause drivability concerns and failure of the transfer case.

  63. Securely install the base plate (4) of the J 44295 in a vise, with the machined surface of the locating tabs facing up.
  64. Install the assembled mainshaft, with the drum, the inner clutch plates, and the outer separator plates, on the base plate (4) of the J 44295 .
  65. Install the weight (1) of the J 44295 on top of the assembled clutch plates.
  66. Place the gage block (2) of the J 44295 on 1 of the locating tabs of the base plate (4) of the J 44295 .
  67. Place the spacer (3) of the J 44295 under the gage block (2) of the J 44295 .
  68. Using a feeler gage, measure between the gage block (2) and the spacer (3).
  69. Measure with the gage block (2), the spacer (3) and the feeler gage on the remaining 2 locating tabs of the base plate (4).
  70. Important: The specification is the average clearance remaining between the gage block (2) and the shim (3).

  71. Take the average of the 3 measurements. This is the required shim thickness.
  72. Important: Measure the clutch shims in the center area of the shim. The shims may have a burr or ridge around the inner or outer edge causing an incorrect measurement. The available shims may not combine to the desired measurement.

  73. Select the correct shim or shims from the clutch plate shim package, plus or minus 0.10 mm (0.004 in). You may use a combination of 2 shims to obtain the correct thickness.
  74. The shims in the clutch plate shim package are the following thickness:

    • 0.30 mm (0.12 in)
    • 0.56 mm (0.022 in)
    • 0.81 mm (0.032 in)
    • 1.04 mm (0.041 in)
    • 1.30 mm (0.051 in)
    • 1.55 mm (0.061 in)
    • 1.80 mm (0.071 in)
    • 2.08 mm (0.081 in)
  75. Remove the weight (1) of the J 44295 .
  76. Important: After obtaining the desired thickness of shims, do not remove the clutch plates from the drum. Removing and then installing the clutch plates could change the measurement.

  77. Install the shim or shims.

  78. Object Number: 801305  Size: SH
  79. Using a suitable press plate and a hydraulic press, press the clutch bearing inner support in the clutch pressure plate bearing. Ensure the bearing inner bearing race is supported.

  80. Object Number: 1348896  Size: SH
  81. Install the clutch pressure plate bearing, with the inner support, in the clutch pressure plate.

  82. Object Number: 1348895  Size: SH
  83. Install the clutch pressure plate, plate spring.
  84. Install the clutch pressure plate. Align the lugs of the pressure plate with the slots in the hub. The spring installs in the groove of the plate.

  85. Object Number: 1348894  Size: SH
  86. Install the clutch pressure plate retaining ring. Push down on the clutch pressure plate to access the retaining ring groove.

  87. Object Number: 701622  Size: SH
  88. Align the tab on the clutch bearing inner support, between the clutch lever.
  89. Install the rear output shaft assembly. Turn the rear output shaft to align the splines with the input shaft.

  90. Object Number: 163905  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the relationship marks used to remove the drive chain and sprockets are aligned for proper installation

  91. Install the drive chain and sprockets. The blue links on the chain must face up, toward the rear of the transfer case.

  92. Object Number: 701617  Size: SH
  93. Install the drive sprocket retaining ring.

  94. Object Number: 701619  Size: SH
  95. Install the driven sprocket retaining ring.

  96. Object Number: 163888  Size: SH
  97. Install a new oil pump O-ring for the oil pump suction pipe in the oil pump.

  98. Object Number: 701595  Size: SH
  99. Install the oil pump assembly.

  100. Object Number: 1348893  Size: SH
  101. Install the oil pump suction pipe assembly.
  102. 60.1. Install the screen in the case.
    60.2. Install the suction pipe to the oil pump.
    60.3. Inspect for the O-ring being in the proper position and not damaged.

    Object Number: 163856  Size: SH
  103. Install the magnet.

  104. Object Number: 701592  Size: SH
  105. Install the rear output shaft speed sensor reluctor wheel.

  106. Object Number: 701589  Size: SH
  107. Install the rear output shaft bearing, with the retaining ring groove facing up.

  108. Object Number: 701586  Size: SH
  109. Install the rear output shaft bearing retaining ring.

  110. Object Number: 724251  Size: SH
  111. If necessary, install the oil pump wear sleeve.

  112. Object Number: 163815  Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Ensure the locating pins are installed in the front case half.
       • Ensure that the sealing surface on the front case half and the rear case half are free of dirt and cleaning solvent.

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

  114. Object Number: 698077  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.

  115. Apply a 3 mm (1/8 in) bead of RTV sealant GM P/N 12345739 (Canadian P/N 10953541) to the front case sealing surface.

  116. Object Number: 163737  Size: SH

    Important: Before the rear case half is installed on the mainshaft, ensure that the outer retaining ring for the rear output shaft bearing is aligned with the access opening.

  117. Install the rear case half assembly.

  118. Object Number: 649760  Size: SH
  119. Insert snap ring pliers in the access opening.
  120. Using the snap ring pliers, open the outer retaining ring for the rear output shaft bearing.
  121. Insert a rubber coated screwdriver into 1 of the speed sensor holes. Lift up the speed reluctor wheel, and seat the retaining ring.

  122. Object Number: 1226857  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. Use only the transfer case bolts/studs with the cup style aluminum washer. 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.

  123. Install the case half bolts/studs with cup washers.
  124. Tighten
    Tighten the case half bolts to 37 N·m (27 lb ft).


    Object Number: 678288  Size: SH
  125. Using the J 42738 , install the input shaft seal.

  126. Object Number: 801307  Size: SH
  127. Using the J 45380 , install a new rear output shaft bushing.
  128. 74.1. Install the bushing on the finger section of the J 45380 .
    74.2. Install the finger section to the main body of the J 45380 .
    74.3. Position the bushing and tool to the case.
    74.4. Using a hammer and the J 45380 , install the bushing.

    Object Number: 687288  Size: SH

    Important: When installing the rear output shaft seal, ensure that the drain hole is facing down.

  129. Using the J 37668-A , install the rear output shaft seal.

  130. Object Number: 705373  Size: SH
  131. Install the dust seal.

  132. Object Number: 705380  Size: SH
  133. Install the J 44636-2 on the front output shaft.

  134. Object Number: 705383  Size: SH
  135. Install the front output shaft seal on the J 44636-2 .

  136. Object Number: 705388  Size: SH
  137. Using the J 44636-1 , install the front output shaft seal.

  138. Object Number: 1226851  Size: SH
  139. Install new O-ring seals on the vehicle speed sensors (VSS).
  140. Lubricate the VSS O-ring seals with transfer case fluid.
  141. Install the left rear VSS.
  142. Tighten
    Tighten the left rear VSS to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

  143. Install the right rear VSS.
  144. Tighten
    Tighten the right rear VSS to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

  145. Install the front VSS.
  146. Tighten
    Tighten the front VSS to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).


    Object Number: 163610  Size: SH
  147. Install the vent tube elbow, if needed.

  148. Object Number: 804163  Size: SH
  149. Install the actuator insulator to the transfer case.
  150. Rotate the control actuator shaft to align to the actuator encoder motor output shaft.
  151. Install the actuator encoder motor.
  152. Install the actuator encoder motor mounting bolts.
  153. Tighten
    Tighten the actuator encoder motor mounting bolts, in the sequence shown, to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1226852  Size: SH
  154. Install the rubber plug.