Rear Axle Replacement

Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Support the rear axle housing in order to relieve tension on the leaf springs.
3. Remove the rear tires and wheels assembly.
4. Remove the rear brake rotors.
5. Remove the rear brake hose mounting bracket bolt at the axle housing.
6. Remove the rear park brake cables.
7. Remove right rear park brake cable from the cable guide on the rear axle.
8. Disconnect the lower mount of the shock absorber.

Important: Do not remove propeller shaft from the slip yoke.

9. Remove the propeller shaft attached to the rear drive axle. Refer to the appropriate procedure in Propeller Shaft:
^ Propeller Shaft Replacement - One Piece
^ Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece

10. Secure the propeller shaft out of the way in order not put stress on the universal joints.
11. Remove the rear leaf springs.

Important: Do not remove vent hose attached to frame.

12. Disconnect the vent hose from the rear axle housing.
13. Lower the axle from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure
1. Raise the rear drive axle to a height in order to install the rear leaf springs.
2. Install the rear leaf springs.
3. Connect the vent hose to the axle housing.
4. Line up the previously made marks on the propeller shaft with the marks on the pinion flange.
5. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to the appropriate procedure in Propeller Shaft:
^ Propeller Shaft Replacement - One Piece
^ Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece

6. Install the right rear park brake cable in the cable guide on the rear axle.
7. Connect the park brake cables.
8. Install the rear brake rotors.
9. Install the rear tires and wheels assembly.
10. Fill the axle with axle lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
11. Bleed the brakes system.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Test drive vehicle and check for leaks.