Sierra 3500 4WD V8-6.0L (2008)
20. Install the pinion bearing retainer bolts.
Tighten the pinion gear retainer bolts to 88 N.m (65 lb ft).
21. Using an inch-pound torque wrench, measure the rotating torque of the pinion.
The rotating torque of the pinion should be between 1.0-2.3 N.m (10-20 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7-3.4 N.m (15-30 lb in) for new
bearings .
22. If the rotating torque measurement is below 1.0 N.m (10 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7 N.m (15 lb in) for new bearings, install the J 8614-01 and
continue to tighten the pinion nut.
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 N.m
(10-20 lb in) for used bearings, or 1.7-3.4 N.m (15-30 lb in) for new bearings.
23. 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.
24. Install the differential assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD Inch Axles) (See: Service and Repair/Removal and
Replacement/Rear Drive Axle/Differential Replacement (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD Inch Axles))Differential Replacement (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axle) (See:
Service and Repair/Removal and Replacement/Rear Drive Axle/Differential Replacement (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axle)) .
25. Adjust the differential side bearing preload. Refer to Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axles) (See: Service
and Repair/Removal and Replacement/Rear Drive Axle/Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axles))Differential
Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) (See: Service and Repair/Removal and Replacement/Rear Drive Axle/Differential Carrier
Bearing Preload Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle))Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (9.5, and 9.5LD Inch Axles) (See: Service and
Repair/Removal and Replacement/Rear Drive Axle/Differential Carrier Bearing Preload Adjustment (9.5, and 9.5LD Inch Axles)) .
26. Determine the selective shim thickness for the drive pinion. Refer to Pinion Depth Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle) (See: Service and
Repair/Removal and Replacement/Rear Drive Axle/Pinion Depth Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle))Pinion Depth Adjustment (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD, and
11.5 Inch Axles) (See: Service and Repair/Removal and Replacement/Rear Drive Axle/Pinion Depth Adjustment (8.6, 9.5/9.5LD, and 11.5 Inch
Axles)) .
27. Adjust the backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) (See: Service and Repair/Removal and Replacement/Rear Drive
Axle/Backlash Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle))Backlash Adjustment (10.5, 11.5 Inch Axles) (See: Service and Repair/Removal and
Replacement/Rear Drive Axle/Backlash Adjustment (10.5, 11.5 Inch Axles))Backlash Adjustment (9.5 LD Axle) (See: Service and
Repair/Removal and Replacement/Rear Drive Axle/Backlash Adjustment (9.5 LD Axle)) .
28. Fill the axle with lubricant. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) (See: Fluid - Differential/Service and Repair/Removal and
Replacement/Rear Drive Axle/Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle))Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (9.5 Inch LD Axle) (See:
Fluid - Differential/Service and Repair/Removal and Replacement/Rear Drive Axle/Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (9.5 Inch LD Axle))Rear
Axle Lubricant Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) (See: Fluid - Differential/Service and Repair/Removal and Replacement/Rear Drive Axle/Rear
Axle Lubricant Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle)) .
29. Lower the vehicle.
