Assembly Procedure

1999 Chevrolet Suburban C2500, 6.5 FSECTION Assembly Procedure
  1. Bend the differential adjuster nut lock tabs over the differential adjuster nut sleeves.
  2. Remove the differential carrier assembly bolts.
    Fig 1: Differential Carrier Assembly Bolts
    GM1332740
  3. Remove the right differential carrier case half.
    Fig 2: Removing Differential Case Assembly
    GM1332738
  4. Clean the sealing surface of each half of the differential carrier case and the inner axle housing to differential carrier assembly.

    The surfaces must be clean of all the grease and the oil.

  5. Apply a bead of sealer to one differential carrier case half sealing surface. Use the correct sealer. Refer to Figure.
  6. Install the right differential carrier case half.
  7. Install the differential carrier case bolts.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the differential carrier case bolts to 47 N.m (35 lb ft).

  8. Install the vent hose connector.

    Apply a small amount of sealer GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, onto the threads.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the vent hose connector to 28 N.m (21 lb ft).

    Fig 3: Installing Vent Hose Connector
    G01455973Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. Install the new left side axle shaft seal using the J 36600  .
  10. Install the new left side inner axle shaft retainer ring.
  11. Install the left side inner axle shaft by doing the following:
    1. Install the left side inner shaft into the differential carrier assembly until the inner shaft is seated against the differential side gear.
    2. While holding the inner shaft against the differential side gear, turn the inner shaft in order to align the splines of the inner shaft with the splines on the differential side gear.
    3. Drive the inner shaft into the differential case side gear using a soft-faced mallet until the retaining ring on the inner shaft is fully seated within the groove in the differential case side gear.

      Pull back on the inner shaft to ensure that the inner shaft is properly retained in the differential case side gear.

    Fig 4: Installing Left Side Inner Axle Shaft
    GM1332794
  12. Install the right side inner shaft bearing into the inner shaft housing by performing the following steps:
    1. Install the inner axle shaft housing into a vise.

      Clamp only on the mounting flange of the inner axle shaft housing.

    2. Install the bearing with the square shoulder in using the J 36609  (1) and the J 8092  (2).
    Fig 5: Installing Bearing With Square Shoulder
    G01455974Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  13. Install the new inner shaft seal using the J 36600  .
  14. Apply sealant to the inner axle housing to differential carrier sealing surface. Use the correct sealant. Refer to Figure.
  15. Install the inner shaft housing to the differential carrier assembly case.
  16. Install the inner shaft housing bolts.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the inner axle shaft housing bolts to 40 N.m (30 lb ft).

  17. Install the inner shaft (2) into the inner shaft housing (1) by doing the following:
    1. Install the inner shaft into the inner axle shaft housing until the inner shaft is seated against the differential side gear.
    2. While holding the inner shaft against the differential side gear, turn the inner shaft in order to align the splines of the inner shaft with the splines on the differential side gear.
    3. Drive the inner shaft into the differential case side gear using a soft-faced mallet until the retaining ring on the inner shaft is fully seated within the groove in the differential case side gear.

      Pull back on the inner shaft to ensure that the inner shaft is properly retained in the differential case side gear.

    Fig 6: Axle Shaft & Inner Axle Shaft Housing
    GM615683
  18. Install the drain plug and the washer.
  19. Install the fill plug and the washer.

    Tighten 

    Tighten the drain plug and the fill plug to 33 N.m (24 lb ft).

  20. Install the lower differential carrier assembly bushing by performing the following steps:
    1. Install the J 21474-18  (1), the thrust bearing (2), the J 36616-2  (3), the J 36616-1  (4), and the forcing screw (5) as shown.
    2. While holding the forcing screw, slowly tighten the J 21474-18  until the bushing has stopped against the step on the bushing and is centered within the differential carrier assembly bushing bore.
    Fig 7: Install the lower differential carrier assembly bushing
    G01455977Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  21. Install the upper differential carrier assembly bushing by performing the following steps:
    1. Install the J 21474-18  (1), the thrust bearing (2), the J 36616-2  (3), the J 36616-1  (4), and the forcing screw (5) as shown.
    2. While holding the forcing screw, slowly tighten the J 21474-18  until the bushing has stopped against the step on the bushing and is centered within the differential carrier assembly bushing bore.
    Fig 8: Installing Upper Differential Carrier Assembly Bushing
    G01455978Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.