C 2500 Suburban 2WD V8-5.7L VIN R (1996)
Fig. 3 Differential Carrier Spreading.
5. Spread carrier a maximum of 0.015 inch using differential carrier spreader tool No. J-24385 or equivalent and a suitable dial indicator, Fig. 3.
6. Remove dial indicator, then lift differential case from carrier using a suitable prybar. Measure and record dimensions and note location of side
bearing shims for assembly reference, then remove spreader tool.
7. Measure pinion rotating torque with suitable torque wrench. If no preload is present, shake companion flange to check for looseness of pinion
assembly. If pinion assembly is loose, the bearing must be replaced.
Fig. 4 Companion Flange Removal.
8. Install holder tool No. J-8614-11 or equivalent on flange using two bolts and flat washers. Position tool with four notches toward flange, then
remove and discard pinion nut and washer.
9. Remove companion flange using tools shown in Fig. 4.
10. Remove drive pinion from carrier, tapping with a soft-faced hammer, if necessary.
11. Tap on inner race of outer pinion bearing, using a long drift, and remove pinion oil seal, slinger, gasket, outer pinion cone and roller and shim
pack. Mark and retain shim pack for assembly.
12. If necessary, drive pinion bearing cups out of carrier, then remove shims and oil slinger from behind inner bearing cup. Mark shims and retain for
assembling.
13. Inspect components. Refer to Cleaning & Inspection and replace as necessary. See: Cleaning & Inspection
9 3/4 Inch Ring Gear
1. Place differential assembly with pinion into housing.
2. Install bearing caps in proper position and tighten just enough to retain in place.
3. Install dial indicator on carrier with indicator button contacting back of ring gear.
4. Position two screwdrivers between bearing cup and housing on ring gear side of case and pry ring gear into mesh with pinion gear as far as
possible.
5. Set dial indicator to 0 with force still applied to gears.
6. Reposition screwdrivers on opposite side of ring gear, then pry ring gear as far as possible and note indicator reading. Repeat sequence several
times until same reading is obtained. This reading indicates amount of shims necessary between differential case and differential bearing on ring
