how do you remove the front differential pinion yoke? I've tried prying it off and tapping it and still no luck. also I unfortunately did mark the nut before I removed it so what are the torque specs when tightening back up? should I also get a new nut? if so whats the part # for it?

 

Spay the Yoke splines with a penetrating oil (I prefer Kroil). Use a "puller" to remove the yoke, it is a special GM tool for Yoke removal.

Make a scribe a line on the pinion nut shaft and yoke so it only goes back together with those lined up.....

You were supposed to use a TQ wrench to determine the torque necessary to rotate the pinion for pre-load to determine tightening TQ for the new replacement nut by adding + 3-5 lb in to whatever that was.

After disconnecting the front drive shaft...
8. Install the J 8614-01 (1) onto the pinion, as shown. See Special Tools.
9. Remove the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01 (1). See Special Tools.
10. Install the J 8614-2 (2) and the J 8614-3 (3) into the J 8614-01 (1), as shown. See Special Tools.
11. Remove the pinon yoke by turning the J 8614-3 (3) clockwise, while holding the J 8614-01 (1). See Special Tools.
12. Remove the oil seal using a suitable seal removal tool.
13. Remove the dust deflector from the pinion yoke using a soft-faced hammer.

Installation of seal
2. Install the new oil seal by doing the following:
1. Position the oil seal in the bore.
2. Install the J 21128 over the oil seal. See Special Tools.
3. Strike the J 21128 with a hammer, until the seal flange seats on the axle housing surface. See Special Tools. Apply sealant GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or equivalent, to the splines of the drive pinion yoke.

Install the new deflector onto the pinion yoke, using a soft-faced hammer.
4. Install the pinion yoke. Align the reference marks made during removal.
5. Seat the pinion yoke onto the pinion shaft by tapping it with a soft-faced hammer, until a few pinion shaft threads show through the yoke.
6. Install the washer and a new pinion nut.
7. Install the J 8614-01 (1) onto the pinion yoke, as shown. See Special Tools.
8. Tighten the pinion nut while holding the J 8614-01 (1). See Special Tools. Tighten: Tighten the pinion nut, until the pinion end play is just taken up. Rotate the pinion while tightening the nut to seat the bearings.
9. Measure the rotating torque of the pinion using an inch-pound torque wrench. Compare the measurement of the rotating torque to the measurement recorded earlier. Specification: The rotating torque of the pinion nut should be 0.40-0.57 N.m (3-5 lb in) greater than the torque recorded during removal.
10. If the rotating torque is not within specifications, continue to tighten the pinion nut. Tighten: Tighten the pinion nut in small increments, as needed, until the torque required in order to rotate the pinion is 0.40-0.57 N.m (3-5 lb in) greater than the torque recorded during removal.
11. Once the specified torque is obtained, rotate the pinion several times to ensure the bearings have seated. Recheck the rotating torque and adjust, if necessary.

 

The puller/holder tool looks like this

 

Pinion Yolk Removal Tools

Personal Favorite: https://www.advanceadapters.com/prod...al-trail-tool/

https://www.ebay.com/i/192787838430?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=192787838430&targetid=89981827840 4&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9016960&poi=&campa ignid=9248523520&mkgroupid=93042821039&rlsatarget= aud-622524040998la-899818278404&abcId=1141156&merchantid=113788204&gc lid=EAIaIQobChMI3s3jrY_b5wIVCr7ACh1BLgvvEAkYCiABEg L-hPD_BwE