Axle shaft removal?

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Axle shaft removal?

Post by Wrangler »

I need to replace the one axle seal so I can get my truck inspected. After replacing the rear brakes today I noticed the right rear axle seal is leaking. I havent messed with that kind of thing since high school. The service manual has drawings that show nothing useful. Can anyone remind me what I have to do to be able to pull the one shaft out? I would love to throw some 3.73 gears and a G80 in there at the same time but that is way over my head since it is a daily driver.

3.42 gears/open diff. TIA
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Post by HenryJ »

GM data wrote:Rear Axle Shaft Replacement
Removal Procedure

1. Raise the vehicle.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Remove the brake caliper.
4. Remove the brake drum (if equipped).
5. Remove the rear cover and the gasket.
6. Remove the pinion shaft locking bolt.
7. On axles without a locking differential, remove the pinion shaft.
8. On axles with a locking differential, remove the shaft part way. Rotate the case until the pinion shaft touches the housing.
9. On axles with a locking differential, use a screwdriver, or a similar tool, in order to enter the differential case and rotate the lock until the lock aligns with the thrust block.
10. Push the flange of the axle shaft toward the differential.
11. Remove the C-lock from the button end of the axle shaft.
Important

When removing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft. Rotating the shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the gears will make the assembly difficult.
12. Remove the axle shaft from the housing.
Installation Procedure

Important

Carefully insert the axle shaft in order to not damage the seal.
1. Install the axle shaft into the rear axle housing.
2. Slide the axle shaft into place allowing the splines to engage the differential side gear.
3. On axles without a locking differential, place the lock on the button end of the axle shaft.
4. On axles with a locking differential, keep the pinion shaft partially withdrawn.
5. On axles with a locking differential, place the C-lock on the axle shaft so that the ends are flush with the thrust block.
6. Pull the shaft flange outward in order to seat the lock in the differential gear.
7. Align the hole in the pinion shaft with the bolt hole in the differential case.
8. Install the new pinion shaft locking bolt.
Tighten the pinion shaft locking bolt to 36 N·m (27 lb ft).
9. Install the rear cover and the gasket.
10. Install the brake caliper.
11. Install the brake drum (if equipped).
12. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
13. Fill the rear axle. Use the proper fluid.
14. Lower the vehicle.

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Post by Wrangler »

Guess that doesn't sound too hard. LOL Thanks alot.