How do you replace rear differential in 2001 Chevy silverado 1500?

Answer 1

If you are doing a total rebuild/replacement of the differential then it would be wise to replace the seal off the yoke also......First drop drive shaft use blaster spray around nut inside yoke then remove yoke this will release the pinion gear in step three.. Pull both left and right tires remove retaining bolts to axles on both sides (have grease pans ready to catch grease depending if it has read cover or you have to drop the third member out of the front sorry haven't been around trucks for a time so I don't remember which one you have if its the pan in the back of the axle then have the pan ready once you open that your going to get a ton of axle grease at which time you can pull the axles out then there are 4 bolts to retain the differential in the rear end and there you have everything ready to pull out watch out for shims!!!!!!

if it is the type that the whole front half of the differential case that drops out then pull axles first then remove all bolts except the three on top till grease is drained then remove the remaining bolts and have someone help or have a floor jack handy if doing by yourself this weighs allot for one person to manage alone without some sort of tools if your doing back yard then you can build up boards under it and slid it onto the boards and there you have the dif good luck