Rear Axle - Replacement

Removal Procedure

Caution: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, perform the following steps:
- Chain the vehicle to the hoist at the same end as the components that are being removed.
- Support the vehicle at the opposite end from which the components are being removed.

Important: The driveline components in this vehicle are factory system-balanced. System balance provides a smoother running driveline operation. Observe the position of all the driveline components. Accurately mark the relationship of the components before removal. These components include the propeller shafts, the drive axles, the pinion flanges, and the output shafts. All components must be reassembled in the exact relationship to each other as they were before removal. Follow the specifications, the torque values, and any measurements made prior to disassembly in order to maintain the factory system balance.





1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Support the rear axle housing separately.
3. Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
4. Remove the brake drums.
5. Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement.
6. Make alignment marks on the propeller shaft and the pinion flange/yoke.
7. Disconnect the rear propeller shaft from the axle. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement - Rear in Propeller Shaft.
8. Secure the propeller shaft up and out of the way to minimize stress on the universal joints.
9. Disconnect the brake hose at the axle housing. Refer to Brake Hose Replacement - Rear in Hydraulic Brakes.
10. Disconnect the park brake cables. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement - Rear in Park Brake.
11. Remove the U-bolts and anchor plates. Refer to Spring Leaf Replacement in Rear Suspension.
12. Remove the vent hose from the axle housing.
13. Lower the axle housing from the vehicle.


Installation Procedure





1. Raise the axle to the vehicle.
2. Install the vent hose to the axle housing.
3. Install the U-bolts and anchor plates. Refer to Spring Leaf Replacement in Rear Suspension.
4. Connect the rear brake hose to the rear brake pipe. Refer to Brake Hose Replacement - Rear in Hydraulic Brakes.
5. Connect the park brake cables. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement - Rear in Park Brake.
6. Install the brake drums.
7. Connect the rear propeller shaft to the axle. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement - Rear in Propeller Shaft.
8. Connect the shock absorbers to the axle. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.
9. Install the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
10. Inspect and add axle lubricant to the axle housing, if necessary. Use the proper fluid.. Refer to Lubrication Specifications and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations in Maintenance and Lubrication.
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Bleed the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.