GM Half-Ton Rear Differential Pinion Yoke 697-156

This is Dorman 697-156, a cast iron rear differential end (pinion) yoke for GM half-ton trucks, vans and SUVs. It replaces OE part numbers 12479162 and 84332248. A new pinion seal and pinion nut are included.

Listed fitment: 1988-1994 Chevy and GMC C1500, 1985-1994 K1500 (Chevy skips 1992), 1985-1986 K10 and K10 Suburban, 1987-1991 V10 and V1500 Suburban, 1998-2005 Chevy Blazer and GMC Jimmy, 2003-2010 Express 1500 and Savana 1500, 2004 and 2006-2008 Silverado 1500, 2006 Silverado 1500 HD, and 2007 Silverado 1500 Classic and 1500 HD Classic. Check your vehicle against the original part number or the old yoke before ordering, because GM used more than one rear yoke across these years.

Why it gets replaced: a leaking rear pinion seal is the usual reason. Once the seal has cut a groove into the yoke neck, gear oil keeps coming out no matter how many seals you put in, and a low axle takes out the pinion bearings next. Worn splines show up as a clunk on takeoff or when shifting into drive, and a damaged yoke ear shows up as a driveline vibration.

On the bench: mark the driveshaft to the old yoke so it goes back in phase, pull the shaft, and check pinion rotating torque with an inch-pound torque wrench on the nut before anything comes apart. Hold the yoke with a flange holding tool, remove the nut, and pull the yoke with a puller rather than a hammer. Drive in the new pinion seal square, slide the new yoke on the splines, and tighten the new nut in small steps, checking rotating torque as you go until you are back at the original reading plus a few inch-pounds. If you overshoot, the crush sleeve has been over-compressed and needs to be replaced, so go slow. Refill the axle and check for leaks after a test drive.