Sierra 1500 2WD V8-5.3L VIN Z Flex Fuel (2006)
3. Remove the axle shafts.
4. Reference mark the rear propeller shaft (3) to the rear axle pinion yoke (4).
5. Disconnect the propeller shaft from the axle. Wrap the bearing caps with tape in order to prevent the loss of bearing rollers. Support the propeller
shaft as necessary.
6. Measure the amount of torque required to rotate the pinion and the ring gear. Use an inch-pound torque wrench. Record this measurement for
reassembly. This will give the combined preload for the following components:
^
The pinion bearings
^
The pinion pilot bearing
^
The pinion oil seal
^
The differential case bearings
7. Place an alignment mark between the pinion and the pinion yoke.
8. Remove the pinion gear bearing retainer bolts.
9. Remove the pinion gear bearing retainer and the pinion.
10. Remove the selective shim.
11. Measure the amount of torque required to rotate the pinion. Use an inch-pound torque wrench. Record this measurement for reassembly.
