Differential Carrier Assembly Replacement 4.8L, 5.3L,6.0L V-8

1. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.



2. Remove the engine protection shield. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
3. Drain the front differential. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Replacement .



4. Remove the left and right antilock brake system (ABS) wiring harnesses from the retainers.



5. Disconnect the left and right wheel speed sensor electrical connectors.



6. Remove the brake hose retaining bolt from the frame. Left shown, right similar.



7. Disconnect the sway bar link pins from the lower control arms. Right shown, left similar.



8. Remove the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.
9. Place an adjustable jack stand under the lower control arm. Left shown, right similar.



10. Remove the upper ball joint pinch bolt and nut. Right shown, left similar.
11. Remove the steering knuckle from the upper control arm. Left shown, right similar.



12. Remove the upper shock module bolts from the frame.
13. Lower the jack stand to allow removal of the steering knuckle from the upper control arm.
14. Remove the steering knuckle from the upper control arm.




Important: In the following service procedures, it is not necessary to remove the wheel drive shaft from the steering knuckles.

15. Using a brass drift or equivalent, remove the left wheel drive shaft from the front differential.



16. Using a brass drift or equivalent, remove the right wheel drive shaft from the front differential.
17. Position the wheel drive shafts to the side.

Important: DO NOT allow the shock modules and steering knuckle to hang without supporting them.

18. Using mechanics wire or metal hooks, secure the shock modules to the frame.
19. Remove the jack stand.

Important: It is not necessary to completely remove the front propeller shaft from the vehicle.

20. Remove the front propeller shaft from the front pinion yoke. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
21. Relocate the propeller shaft to the side and secure.



22. Remove the inner axle shaft. Refer to Front Drive Axle Inner Shaft Replacement .
23. Remove the mounting bolts for the front differential assembly.
24. Remove the front differential assembly from the oil pan.



25. Secure the front differential to the frame.



26. Remove the oil pan assembly. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 5.3L.



27. Remove the front differential from the vehicle.

1. Position the front differential assembly on the frame.



2. Secure the front differential assembly.



3. Install the oil pan assembly. Refer to Oil Pan Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 5.3L.
4. Position the front differential on the oil pan.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.




5. Install the differential bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 85 N·m (63 lb ft).

6. Install the inner axle shaft. Refer to Front Drive Axle Inner Shaft Replacement in Front Drive Axle.
7. Position the adjustable jack stand under the lower control arm.
8. Remove the shock module from the secure position.
9. Install the right wheel drive shaft in the inner drive shaft.
10. Rinse the jack stand to allow the installation of the steering knuckle in the upper control arm. Right side shown, left similar.



11. Install the upper ball joint pinch nut and bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt and nut to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

12. Remove the jack stand from under the lower control arm.



13. Install the front shock upper retaining nuts. Right shown, left similar.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).

14. Install the steering rack assembly. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement in Power Steering System.



15. Install the brake hose retaining bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the brake hose retaining bolt to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).




16. Install the sway bar links to the lower control arm. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement in Front Suspension.



17. Connect the wheel speed sensors electrical connectors.



18. Install the left and right ABS wiring harnesses in the retainers.
19. Install the front propeller shaft. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
20. Fill the front differential with fluid. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Replacement .



21. Install the engine protection shield. Refer to Engine Protection Shield Replacement in Frame and Underbody.
22. Install the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.