GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Locking Differential Assemble 10.5 Inch Axle

  1. Install the right thrust washer.
  2. Install the right cam unit. Refer to Cam Unit Assembly in this section.
  3. Install the following parts:
  4. • The reaction blocks
    • The reaction block thrust washer
    • The pinion yoke
    • The pinion gears
    • The pinion thrust washers

    Object Number: 206994  Size: SH
  5. Install the left thrust washer.
  6. Assemble the plates as shown.

  7. Install the left side gear.
  8. Install the latching bracket assembly.
  9. Install the governor assembly.
  10. The straight end of the latching bracket spring must be over and outside the governor assembly shaft.

  11. Install the case halves together.
  12. Hold the side gear in the left side case half.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  13. Install the differential case screws.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the differential case screws to 17 N·m (13 lb ft).

  15. Install the ring gear and the differential side bearings. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement and Differential Side Bearings Replacement .

Locking Differential Assemble 8.6, 9.5, 11.5 Inch Axles

Important: The left and right side gear backlash and thrust block thickness measurement must be completed before the components of the locking differential can be assembled.


    Object Number: 790754  Size: SH
  1. Install the left side gear thrust washer.

  2. Object Number: 790759  Size: SH
  3. Install the left side gear cam unit and clutch disc assembly.
  4. Install the right side gear thrust washer.
  5. Install the right side clutch disc assembly.
  6. Install the right side gear.
  7. Important: If the original pinion gears and thrust washers are being re-used, install the pinion gears and thrust washers on the same side as when removed.

  8. Install the pinion gear and the pinion thrust washers.
  9. Place the pinion gears and the pinion thrust washers 180 degrees apart.

  10. Rotate the pinion gears and the pinion thrust washers 90 degrees and align the pinion gears with the pinion shaft opening in the differential case.
  11. Install the thrust block.
  12. The open side of the thrust block must face the window opening.

  13. Install the pinion shaft.
  14. For the 8.6 inch, 9.5 inch axles, install the new pinion shaft lock bolt.
  15. Tighten the pinion shaft lock bolt finger tight.

  16. For the 11.5 inch axle, install the new pinion shaft retaining pin.
  17. Drive the retaining pin into the differential case using a hammer and drift pin.


    Object Number: 790767  Size: SH
  18. Install the governor assembly.
  19. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  20. Install the governor bushing using a hammer and a brass drift.
  21. Specification
    Press the bushing into place until there is 0.25-1.27 mm (0.010-0.050 in) of shaft end play.


    Object Number: 790769  Size: SH
  22. Install the latching bracket assembly.
  23. The straight end of the latching bracket spring must be over and outside the governor assembly shaft.

  24. Install the latching bracket bushing using a hammer and a brass drift.
  25. Specification
    Press the bushing into place until there is 0.000-0.051 mm (0.000-0.002 in) of shaft end play.

  26. For the 8.6, 9.5 inch axles, tighten the pinion shaft lock bolt.
  27. Tighten

        • For the 8.6 inch axle, tighten the pinion shaft lock bolt to 36 N·m (27 lb ft).
        • For the 9.5 inch axle, tighten the pinion shaft lock bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
  28. Install the ring gear, if necessary. Refer to Drive Pinion and Ring Gear Replacement .