How to Remove a Front Diffrential on 1999 Tahoe

I will attempt to cover the basic steps for removing the front differential on a GMT800, specifically my 2006 Chevrolet Silverado Z71. This should be helpful to guys either installing gears or for those removing the front diff for a lift kit install. No special tools are required, common hand tools, a jack and jack stands are about all you'll need for removal. This is a one man job but two might make it easier. The complete diff weights about 80 pounds so most average men can handle it on their backs to wrestle it out of there.
First off, raise and support the truck on jack stands, set the parking brake and/or chock the rear wheels. Remove the skid plate from the truck by removing the 4 15mm bolts. Remove the axle shaft bolts, you may need to hold the shaft with a pipe wrench while breaking the bolts loose.

Use some tie wire and tie the axles up, if they dangle and hang down it will make it more difficult to remove the diff. Unplug the actuator wiring harness and loosen the 3 clamps holding the harness.

Unplug the vacuum hose on the drivers side of the diff.

Unbolt the driveshaft and tie it out of the way.

Remove the 2 nuts on the bracket on the passengers side of the diff.

Loosen the upper mounting bolt and remove the nut, leave the bolt in place. Do the same with the lower rear mounting bolt.

** VERY IMPORTANT- point the wheels all the way to the right**

Crawl under the truck with the diff at your chest, lift it up and remove the two bolts. Dip the passenger side shaft down and to the rear while raising the drivers side of the diff. This will take a few wiggles and maybe a few choice four letter words but it will come out. It's kind of a lift and twist motion to clear the tie rod shaft and oil pan. Set the diff down on your chest and gently slide it over onto the floor.

I will cover a gear change and bearing change in a separate thread. Congrats you have just pulled an IFS Differential. Not a hard job by any means, pointing the wheels all the way to the right was the key to getting this thing out. I fought it for about 20 minutes until I went and changed the way the wheels pointed.
Looks exactly the same as a 9.25" IFS
Another excellent write up Thanks Red
I would imagine GMT400s are similar
Should be Dennis, we already have a how to for the 8 lug, if you do a search you can find it. There are no pics for it but a nice write up was done.
Thanks Gary, I would think they are similar too from what I've read at least.
Zembonez живи свободно или умри

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Damn! Looks like there were a ton of bolts to remove to get that sukka out of there!
It was pretty darn clean under there for a 2006 model truck.
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Nice!
Great write-up!
I had to pull the front diff on my 92 Sonoma. Not to bad to do. I had to change it because I couldn't remove the one side axle to replace the seal. The snap ring inside must have went out and wouldn't release it. I went from a 89k mile front diff to one that had 150k but was not leaking at the salvage yard. It held up for the rest of the time I owned it and when I did get rid of it the truck had 129k on it.
I'll see this week just what a pain those snap rings can be. You have to beat the axle in, then beat it out to release the snap ring.
great job Red!