Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra. Service manual — part 1498

6. Install the pinion gear and the pinion thrust washers.

Place the pinion gears and the pinion thrust washers 180 degrees apart.

7. Rotate the pinion gears and the pinion thrust washers 90 degrees and align the pinion gears

with the pinion shaft opening in the differential case.

8. Install the thrust block.

The open side of the thrust block must face the window opening.

9. Install the pinion shaft.

10. Install the new pinion shaft lock bolt.

Tighten: Tighten the pinion shaft lock bolt finger tight.

NOTE:

Refer to Fastener Notice

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

Fig. 303: Installing Governor Assembly
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

11. Install the governor assembly.

12. Install the governor bushing using a hammer and a brass drift.

Specification: Press the bushing into place until there is 0.25-1.27 mm (0.010-0.050 in) of
shaft end play.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

Fig. 304: Identifying Latching Bracket Bushing
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

13. Install the latching bracket assembly.

The straight end of the latching bracket spring must be over and outside the governor
assembly shaft.

14. Install the latching bracket bushing using a hammer and a brass drift.

Specification: Press the bushing into place until there is 0.000-0.051 mm (0.000-0.002 in)
of shaft end play.

15. Tighten the pinion shaft lock bolt.

Tighten:

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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

For the 8.6 inch axle, tighten the pinion shaft lock bolt to 36 N.m (27 lb ft).

For the 9.5 inch axle, tighten the pinion shaft lock bolt to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).

16. Install the ring gear, if necessary. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement

(8.6, 9.5/9.5LD, and 11.5 Inch Axles) or Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement
(10.5 Inch Axle).

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

The locking differential consists of the following components:

Differential case - 1 or 2 piece

Locking differential spider - 2 piece case only

Pinion gear shaft - 1 piece case only

Differential pinion gear shaft lock bolt - 1 piece case only

Two clutch discs sets

Locking differential side gear

Thrust block

Locking differential clutch disc guides

Differential side gear shim

Locking differential clutch disc thrust washer

Locking differential governor

Latching bracket

Cam plate assembly

Differential pinion gears

Differential pinion gear thrust washers

The optional locking differential (RPO G80) enhances the traction capability of the rear axle by
combining the characteristics of a limited-slip differential and the ability of the axle shafts to
"lock" together when uneven traction surfaces exist. The differential accomplishes this in 2 ways.
First by having a series of clutch plates at each side of the differential case to limit the amount of
slippage between each wheel. Second, by using a mechanical locking mechanism to stop the
rotation of the right differential side gear, in order to transfer the rotating torque of the wheel
without traction to the wheel with traction. Each of these functions occur under different
conditions.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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