Sierra 3500 2WD V8-6.0L VIN U (2004)
Seat the pinion yoke onto the pinion shaft by tapping it with a soft-faced hammer until a few threads show through the yoke.
13. Install the washer and a new pinion nut.
14. Install the J 8614-01 onto the pinion yoke.
15. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
Important: If the rotating torque is exceeded, the pinion will have to be removed and a new collapsible spacer installed.
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Tighten the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01.
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Tighten the pinion nut until the pinion end play is just taken up. Rotate the pinion while tightening the nut to seat the bearings.
16. Remove the J 8614-01.
17. Important:
Do not apply sealant to the pinion gear bearing retainer at this time.
Install the original shim to the pinion bearing retainer. If the original shim is not available, install a 0.41 mm (0.016 inch) shim to build pinion
depth.
18. Install the pinion gear bearing retainer to the axle housing.
19. Install the pinion bearing retainer bolts.
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Tighten the pinion gear retainer bolts to 88 Nm (65 ft. lbs.).
20. Measure the rotating torque of the pinion using an inch-pound torque wrench.
The rotating torque of the pinion should be between 1.0-2.3 Nm (10-20 inch lbs.) for used bearings, or 1.7-3.4 Nm (15-30 inch lbs.) for new
bearings.
21. If the rotating torque measurement is below 1.0 Nm (10 inch lbs.) for used bearings, or 1.7 Nm (15 inch lbs.) for new bearings, install the J
8614-01 and continue to tighten the pinion nut.
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Tighten the pinion nut, in small increments, as needed, until the torque required in order to rotate the pinion is between 1.0-2.3 Nm (10-20
inch lbs.) for used bearings, or 1.7-3.4 Nm (15-30 inch lbs.) for new bearings.
22. Once the specified torque is obtained, rotate the pinion several times to ensure the bearings have seated. Recheck the rotating torque and adjust if
necessary.
23. Install the differential assembly.
24. Adjust the differential side bearing preload.
25. Determine the selective shim thickness for the drive pinion.
26. Adjust the backlash.
27. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
28. Lower the vehicle.
