Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra. Service manual — part 1441

9. Remove the ring gear from the differential. Drive the gear off with a brass drift if necessary.

Installation Procedure

NOTE:

Refer to Ring Gear Removal Notice .

IMPORTANT: The mating surface of the ring gear and the differential case

must be clean and free of burrs before installing the ring
gear.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 Driveline/Axle Rear Drive Axle - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

Fig. 151: Ring Gear & Differential Case
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

1. Install the ring gear to the differential case.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 Driveline/Axle Rear Drive Axle - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

Fig. 152: Identifying Ring Gear Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: The ring gear bolts on the 8.6 inch and the 9.5/9.5LD inch

axles have left-hand threads. The ring gear bolts on the 11.5
inch axle have right-hand threads.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 Driveline/Axle Rear Drive Axle - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

2. Install the new ring gear bolts.

Hand start each bolt to ensure that the ring gear is properly installed to the differential case.

3. Tighten the ring gear bolts, Tighten the ring gear bolts alternately and in stages, gradually

pulling the ring gear onto the differential case.

Tighten:

For the 8.6 inch axle, tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 120 N.m (89 lb ft).

For the 9.5/9.5LD inch axles, tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 140 N.m (103
lb ft).

For the 11.5 inch axle, tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 237 N.m (175 lb ft).

4. Install the pinion bearing cups. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.6, 9.5,

11.5 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle).

5. Determine the selective shim thickness for the pinion gear. Refer to Pinion Depth

Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) or Pinion Depth Adjustment (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD, and 11.5
Inch Axles).

6. Install the selective shim onto the pinion.

7. Install the inner pinion bearing to the pinion. Refer to Drive Pinion Bearings

Replacement (8.6, 9.5, 11.5 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (10.5
Inch Axle).

8. Install a new collapsible spacer.

9. Lubricate the pinion bearings with axle lubricant. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant

Recommendations .

10. Install the outer pinion bearing into the axle housing.

11. Install the new pinion oil seal. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal

Replacement (All Except 9.75 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil
Seal Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle w/Drum Brakes).

12. Install the pinion into the axle housing.

13. Install the pinion yoke. Refer to Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil Seal

Replacement (All Except 9.75 Inch Axle) or Drive Pinion Flange/Yoke and/or Oil
Seal Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle w/Drum Brakes).

14. Install the differential assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD Inch

NOTE:

Refer to Fastener Notice .

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 Driveline/Axle Rear Drive Axle - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado