1. Clean the rear axle housing with steam.

Important: Shift the two speed rear axle into LOW range, if equipped.

2. Block the wheels.
3. Remove the rear axle housing drain plug.
4. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to the following list in order to select the correct procedure:

•	One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft

•	Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft

•	Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft

•	Four-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft

•	Tandem Axle Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft

5. Remove the axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
6. Remove the shift motor assembly, if equipped. Refer to Two Speed Rear Axle Shift Motor Replacement .



7. Remove the following components from the differential carrier assembly:

•

The bolts

•	The washers

•	The stud nuts, if equipped

•	Do not remove the top 2 fasteners.

8. Support and secure the differential carrier assembly to a floor jack.

8.1.	Remove the top 2 fasteners.

8.2.	Remove the differential carrier assembly.

9. Clean the axle housing and the differential carrier assembly mating surfaces.
10. Clean the axle housing bowl interior using Engine Degreaser GM P/N 1050436 (Canadian P/N 992878) or the equivalent. Dry the housing bowl immediately with clean rags and compressed air.
11. Inspect the axle housing for the following conditions:

•

Cracks

•	Loose Studs

•

Nicks

•

Burrs

Important: 

1. Install the Silicone Sealer (RTV) GM P/N 1052366 or equivalent on the rear axle housing surface.
2. Install the differential carrier assembly.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

Important: 

•	Ensure that the threads are clean and free of grease.

•	Apply 272 Threadlocker GM P/N 12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) or equivalent to the threads of each differential carrier bolt.

3. Install the following differential carrier components:

•	The washers

•

The bolts

•	The nuts, if equipped

Tighten
Tighten the differential carrier bolts and nuts to the torques listed in Fastener Tightening Specifications .

4. Install the rear axle shift motor assembly, if equipped. Refer to Two Speed Rear Axle Shift Motor Replacement .
5. Install the rear axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft and/or Gasket Replacement .
6. Install the propeller shaft.
7. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to the following list in order to select the correct procedure:

•	One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft

•	Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft

•	Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft

•	Four-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft

•	Tandem Axle Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft

8. Install the rear axle lubricant.
9. Remove the wheel blocks.