Yukon Gear PK GM8.6-A Pinion Install Kit for 1999-2008 GM 8.6in Rear Differential
The PK GM8.6-A from Yukon Gear is a comprehensive pinion installation kit purpose-built for the 2008 and earlier GM 8.6in rear differential. This differential is found in an enormous range of 1999 to 2008 Chevrolet and GMC light-duty trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. When rebuilding or refreshing the ring and pinion in your Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban, Avalanche, Colorado, Canyon, or compatible Cadillac and Buick platform vehicles, PK GM8.6-A provides every component needed for a complete, professional pinion installation.
Features and Benefits
- Complete pinion install kit for 1999-2008 GM 8.6in rear differential
- Timken front and rear pinion bearings and races included
- New pinion seal prevents differential fluid leaks post-installation
- Crush sleeve included for proper pinion bearing preload setup
- Full pinion shim kit for precise depth adjustment
- Pinion nut and thread locker included
- Marking compound and brush for gear contact pattern verification
- Pilot bearing included where applicable
- All components in one kit for efficient, professional-quality installation
Fitment
| Year | Make | Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999-2008 | Chevrolet | Silverado 1500 | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 1999-2008 | GMC | Sierra 1500 | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 1999-2008 | Chevrolet | Tahoe | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 1999-2008 | Chevrolet | Suburban 1500 | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 2002-2008 | Chevrolet | Avalanche 1500 | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 1999-2008 | GMC | Yukon | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 1999-2008 | GMC | Yukon XL 1500 | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 2002-2006 | Cadillac | Escalade / ESV / EXT | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 2002-2008 | Hummer | H3 | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 2004-2008 | Chevrolet | Colorado | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 2004-2008 | GMC | Canyon | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 2002-2006 | Buick | Rainier | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 2002-2006 | Saab | 9-7x | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 2003-2006 | Isuzu | Ascender | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 2003-2006 | Chevrolet | SSR | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 1999-2005 | Chevrolet | S10 | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 1999-2005 | GMC | Sonoma | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 1995-2005 | Chevrolet | Blazer | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 2002-2009 | Chevrolet | TrailBlazer | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 2002-2009 | GMC | Envoy | GM 8.6in Rear |
| 1999-2002 | Chevrolet | Express 1500 | GM 8.6in Rear |
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part Number | PK GM8.6-A |
| UPC | 883584130734 |
| Differential | GM 8.6in Rear (1999-2008) |
| Kit Type | Pinion Install Kit |
| Included Components | Front and rear pinion bearings, races, pinion seal, crush sleeve, shim kit, pinion nut, thread locker, marking compound with brush, pilot bearing (if applicable) |
| Warranty | Yukon Gear limited warranty |
What's Included
- Front pinion bearing and race (Timken)
- Rear pinion bearing and race (Timken)
- Pinion seal
- Crush sleeve
- Complete pinion shim kit
- Pinion nut
- Thread locker
- Marking compound with brush
- Pilot bearing (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
What differential does PK GM8.6-A fit?
The PK GM8.6-A fits the 1999 through 2008 GM 8.6in rear differential, found in light-duty Chevrolet and GMC 1500-series trucks and SUVs, Cadillac Escalade/ESV/EXT, Hummer H3, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender, Saab 9-7x, and Chevrolet SSR.
Does PK GM8.6-A include a pinion seal?
Yes. The PK GM8.6-A includes a new pinion seal along with all other components needed for a complete pinion installation.
Is PK GM8.6-A compatible with the 2009+ GM 8.6in?
No. This kit is designed for the 2008 and earlier GM 8.6in differential. The 2009 and newer GM 8.6in uses a different pinion bearing size and requires the appropriate kit for that application.
Do I need a crush sleeve with PK GM8.6-A?
Yes, and it is included. A crush sleeve is required to set proper pinion bearing preload when using the standard installation method. A torque wrench and inch-pound measurement tool are necessary for correct preload setting.
What bearing brand is used in PK GM8.6-A?
Yukon Gear uses Timken bearings in the PK GM8.6-A, the same brand trusted by OEM manufacturers for demanding drivetrain applications.
Is marking compound included with PK GM8.6-A?
Yes. The PK GM8.6-A includes marking compound and a brush so you can verify gear contact pattern during installation.
Does Yukon Gear's warranty cover PK GM8.6-A?
Yes. The PK GM8.6-A is covered under Yukon Gear's limited warranty against manufacturing defects. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the use of aftermarket products like PK GM8.6-A cannot void your vehicle manufacturer's warranty on unrelated components.
Can PK GM8.6-A be used when just replacing the seal?
Yes. If you are only replacing the pinion seal due to a leak, you can use the seal from the PK GM8.6-A without replacing the bearings, provided the bearings are in good condition and you do not disturb the pinion depth.
Installation Instructions
- Drain differential fluid and remove the driveshaft.
- Mark the pinion flange-to-yoke relationship for reference if reusing the yoke.
- Remove the pinion nut and use a yoke puller to remove the pinion flange.
- Drive out the pinion and remove front bearing, crush sleeve, and shims.
- Press off the rear pinion bearing and remove the pinion from the carrier.
- Clean all components and housing bores thoroughly.
- Press the new rear bearing race and front bearing race from PK GM8.6-A into position.
- Install shims from the kit to achieve correct pinion depth using the marking compound for contact pattern verification.
- Install the new crush sleeve and front bearing onto the pinion.
- Drive the new pinion seal into place and reassemble the pinion flange.
- Torque the pinion nut incrementally while checking rotating torque until the specified pinion bearing preload is achieved.
- Reinstall the driveshaft, fill with differential fluid, and road-test.
Prop 65 Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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