Need front diff cover for sure...and other related parts

[Bigsope]

Well its broken but how bad I don't know. Something is trying to come out of the front diff. Need help locating parts and expertise on this repair. Probably going to add locker while im in there.

Thanks in advance for the help

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[Bigunit]

Looks like the aluminum diff. I'd start by trying to source the cast iron diff, especially if you plan to run a locker. The aluminum diff's flex and it's not recommended that you install a locker in one.

 

[Bigsope]

I thought 2008 and newer had CI diffs...either way I got the cover off and it looks to be a tooth broke off and lodged under the ring gear. Their was no oil left when I pulled the drain plud but plenty of metal shavings. Taking diff out tonight more pics to come

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[benlaud87]

Alphas and 08+ adventure models got the CI diff I think

 

[Bigsope]

I have an 09 base with a 5 speed. Any idea what gears or how to find out?

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[benlaud87]

Someone here definitely knows for sure but id guess 4.10

 

[Bigunit]

Bigsope, 08+ base I5 (3.7l) non-adventure models came with aluminum front diffs., 4:56 front and rear diff. gears and 2:56 transfer cases.

 

[Bigsope]

That is helpful thanks Bigunit! Anyone ever pulled the front diff? Looking up instructions but any advice would help. Looking for an adventure front end but other than going to a SAS are there any other options? Not against doing a sas either if anyone has recommendations

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[06 H3]

I have pulled the front diff about 10 times. Back and forth between problematic diffs. Its easy...pull the driver side halfshaft out then driveshaft at the yoke. Then undo the 3 bolts. have a floor jack ready then take it out. Its saves time from getting the other shaft out.

 

[Bigsope]

Thanks 06. Any clue where to get the 35 mm and 1 1/16th sockets needed for axle nut and ball joints?

 

[06 H3]

you need a 36mm nut and it will take care of the axle nut. I bought mine at oreillys.

 

[Bigunit]

You can buy both at Amazon.com.

 

[alrock]

Moved this to the H3 section - doesn't need specialized troubleshooting.

 

[Bigsope]

Ok thanks

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

before you blow that completely apart, and if you want a locker - you realize that you would likely be better off simply buying a complete, new unit from gmpartsoutlet.com or similar wholesaler? I just rebuilt my cast iron front differential, and it cost 500 for gears and rebuild kit, 500 for the e-locker, and 400 to have it put together (I did the removal, installation, I just had the shop set up the gears).... that's within a hundred or so of a brand new cast iron one... carrier and front axles

http://www.gmpartsheadquarters.com/...ection=19&catid=30215&subcatid=34453&fl_id=50


$329.00

or from Nalley Chevrolet

http://parts.nalleygmc.com/showAssembly.aspx?ukey_assembly=391912&ukey_product=3032064

$429.00
they have better pictures.

 

[Bigsope]

So Nalley Chevrolet and GM parts HQ, along will nearly every GM wholesale warehouse I found on the interwebs said that CI diff case with 4.56 gears and eaton e-locker were no longer made or available. So I called Snyder Salvage out of Holland TX and they found me a used 2009 carrier assembly with locker for 2K, could not find a CI w/o.

That said, it will be here Friday and hopefully I will be back on the trail by Saturday night. I have the upper ball joint out and the axle out of the wheel bearing on the driver's side, need to undo c-clip for axle, unbolt fron drive shaft, and unbolt diff then it should wiggle free from passenger side axle and come out...anyone have experience with this?

 

[4speedfunk]

No c-clips to undo. Just pull both half-shafts. Drop the crossmember. Drop the driveshaft. Two vertical bolts hold the axle to the frame rails. Pull those and the whole enchilada drops straight down. Takes about an hour.


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