Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra. Service manual — part 1470

4. Install the differential pinion gears and pinion gear thrust washers by performing the

following steps:

1. Position one pinion gear between the differential side gears.

2. Position the second pinion gear between the differential side gears directly opposite

the of the first gear.

3. Rotate the differential side gears until the pinion gears is directly opposite the opening

in the differential case.

4. Install the thrust washers.

Rotate the pinion gears toward the differential opening in order to permit the sliding in
of the thrust washers.

5. Install the pinion shaft.

6. Install a new pinion shaft lock bolt.

Tighten: Tighten the new pinion shaft lock bolt to 36 N.m (27 lb ft).

NOTE:

Refer to Fastener 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. 244: Ring Gear & Differential Case
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

7. 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. 245: Identifying Ring Gear Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

8. Install the new ring gear bolts.

IMPORTANT: The ring gear bolts have left - hand threads.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

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

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

ring gear onto the differential case.

Tighten: Tighten the ring gear bolts in sequence to 120 N.m (89 lb ft).

10. Install the differential side bearings. Refer to Differential Side Bearings Replacement

(All Except 9.75 Inch Axle).

DIFFERENTIAL OVERHAUL (10.5 INCH AXLE)

Tools Required

J 8092 Universal Driver Handle - 3/4 in - 10

J 22888-D Side Bearing Remover Kit

J 29710 Differential Side Bearing Installer

Disassembly Procedure

1. Remove the differential side bearings by performing the following steps:

1. Place a block of wood on each side of the differential case before installing the

differential case into the vise.

Install the differential assembly into a vise.

2. Install the J 8107-3 and the J 22888-20A onto the differential side bearing. See

Special Tools.

3. Remove the differential side bearings using the J 22888-20A . See Special Tools.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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