K Tahoe 4WD V8-4.8L VIN V (2000)
9. Once the largest service shim has been determined, measure the thickness of the shim using a micrometer. Measure the service shim in 3 locations.
Calculate the average of the 3 measurements. Use the average as the thickness for the shim. Record the measurement.
10. Install the service shim that was just measured back into the left side of the axle housing. The service shim must be installed between the service
spacer and the differential side bearing cup.
11. Remove the BENT shim from the right side of the axle housing.
12. Insert one 4.318 mm (0.170 in) thick service spacer into the right side axle housing.
13. Move the differential assembly towards the left side of the axle housing. While holding the differential assembly against the left side shim pack,
insert progressively larger service shims between the service spacer and the differential side bearing cup until a moderate resistance can be felt.
14. Once the largest service shim has been determined, measure the thickness of the shim using a micrometer. Verify the thickness of the service shim.
Measure the service shim in 3 locations. Calculate the average of the 3 measurements. Use the average as the thickness for the shim. Record the
measurement.
15. In order to preload the differential side bearing and set the initial backlash to approximately 0.127 mm (0.005 in), adjust the thickness of left and
right side shims by doing the following.
15.1
Subtract 0.152 mm (0.006 in) from the measurement recorded for the left side shim in step 9. Record the measurement.
15.2
Add 0.356 mm (0.014 in) to the measurement recorded for the right side shim in step 14.
16. Select the correct service shim thickness for each side corresponding to the measurements determined above. Using a micrometer, verify the
thickness of the service shim. Measure the service shim in 3 locations. Calculate the average of the 3 measurements. Use the average as the
thickness for the shim.
17. Install the left side service shim into the axle housing. The service shim must be installed between the service spacer and the differential side
bearing cup.
18. Move the differential assembly towards the left side of the axle housing.
19. Install the right side service shim into the axle housing using the J 25588 , if necessary. The service shim must be installed between the service
spacer and the differential side bearing cup.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.
20. Install the differential bearing caps and bolts. Tighten the differential bearing cap bolts to 75Nm (55 ft. lbs.).
21. Rotate the pinion several times to ensure the bearings have seated.
22. Measure the rotating torque of drive pinion and differential case side bearings using an inch-pound torque wrench.
Specification: 0.57-1.13 Nm (5-10 lb in) greater than the rotating torque of the drive pinion measured earlier.
23. Calculate the differential side bearing preload by subtracting the drive pinion preload, measured in Step 2, from the drive pinion and the
differential case bearing preload, measured in Step 23. Multiply the value obtained by the axle ratio.
Specification: The differential side bearing preload should be 1.7-4.0 Nm (15-35 lb in).
24. If the differential side bearing preload is not within specifications, add or subtract shim thickness equally from each shim pack as necessary in
order to increase/decrease the side bearing preload.
25. Once the differential side bearing preload is within specifications, measure the backlash between the ring gear and the drive pinion and adjust, if
necessary. Refer to Backlash Adjustment.
26. Once backlash and differential side bearing preload is within specifications, perform a gear tooth contact pattern check in order to ensure proper
alignment between the ring and pinion gears. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection.
