GM 19256751
Differential Case

Before you replace the Differential carrier assembly, unlock the Steering Column in order to free the steering linkage and raise the vehicle. Drain the fluid from the axle by removing the Drain Plug and flat washer, as well as removing the vent hose from the Differential carrier. Next, take out the bolts of the idler arm, and reposition the steering linkage prior to removal of carriers. Remove the front propeller shaft, thereafter the left and right wheel drive shafts, and hold the Differential carrier assembly with its hub bearings removed. Remove the inner Axle Shaft housing and inner Axle Shaft, don the upper mounting bolt and nut, and the lower mounting nuts and bolt on the Differential carrier assembly. Gently take out the assembly from the vehicle, if necessary, rolling it to free the mounting brackets, oil pan, and the steering linkage. For installation, secure the Differential carrier assembly back on the vehicle making sure that the mounting bolts and nuts are installed and tightened to 85 nm (63 ft. Lbs.). Reinstall the inner Axle Shaft housing, inner Axle Shaft and left and right wheel drive shafts and the front propeller shaft. Reposition the steering linkage and attach the idler arms to the frame, the idler arm bolts to tighten to 105 nm (77 ft. Lbs.). Connect the axle vent hose, replace the Drain Plug and the flat washer and tighten the Drain Plug to 30 nm (22 ft. Lbs.). Finally, install tires and wheels, check the axle lubricant level, add them if required, and then lower the vehicle.

Before you replace the Differential carrier assembly, unlock the Steering Column in order to free the steering linkage and raise the vehicle. Drain the fluid from the axle by removing the Drain Plug and flat washer, as well as removing the vent hose from the Differential carrier. Next, take out the bolts of the idler arm, and reposition the steering linkage prior to removal of carriers. Remove the front propeller shaft, thereafter the left and right wheel drive shafts, and hold the Differential carrier assembly with its hub bearings removed. Remove the inner Axle Shaft housing and inner Axle Shaft, don the upper mounting bolt and nut, and the lower mounting nuts and bolt on the Differential carrier assembly. Gently take out the assembly from the vehicle, if necessary, rolling it to free the mounting brackets, oil pan, and the steering linkage. For installation, secure the Differential carrier assembly back on the vehicle making sure that the mounting bolts and nuts are installed and tightened to 85 nm (63 ft. Lbs.). Reinstall the inner Axle Shaft housing, inner Axle Shaft and left and right wheel drive shafts and the front propeller shaft. Reposition the steering linkage and attach the idler arms to the frame, the idler arm bolts to tighten to 105 nm (77 ft. Lbs.). Connect the axle vent hose, replace the Drain Plug and the flat washer and tighten the Drain Plug to 30 nm (22 ft. Lbs.). Finally, install tires and wheels, check the axle lubricant level, add them if required, and then lower the vehicle.

Ensure the mating surface of the ring gear and differential case is clean.

The ring gear bolts have left-handed threads.

Use an inch-pound torque wrench.

Attach the front drive axle to the oil pan, ensuring to install the front drive axle mounting bolts and tighten them to 85 Nm (63 ft. lbs.).

Disconnect the propeller shaft, supporting it as necessary.

Support the front differential assembly using a transmission jack stand or equivalent.