Removal

1. Raise the vehicle on a twin-post hoist.

2. Remove the front wheel and tire assemblies from the vehicle. Remove the hubs according to the procedures outlined in Wheel Hubs and Bearings-Front Wheel Drive. When removing hubs, use Hub Removal Tool D85T-1197-A or equivalent.

3. Remove the brake caliper from the rotor according to the procedures outlined in Disc Brakes-Light and Heavy Duty-Sliding Caliper.

CAUTION: After removal, the brake caliper must be wired to the spring or otherwise supported to prevent suspending the caliper by the flexible hose. Allowing the caliper to hang by the flexible hose could result in brake line failure. If caliper suspension is not practical, remove it according to the procedures outlined in Disc Brakes-Light and Heavy Duty-Sliding Caliper.

Front Sway Bar And Link Removal:

4. Remove the washers and nuts securing the stabilizer links to the stabilizer bar. Disconnect the stabilizer links from the stabilizer bar. If required, remove the U-bolts and bolts and nuts retaining the stabilizer bar and mounting brackets to the axle and remove the stabilizer bar.

Front Connecting Rods:

5. Remove the cotter pins and castellated nuts securing the spindle connecting rod to the steering knuckles. Separate the connecting rods from the steering knuckles using Pitman Arm Puller T84P-3590-F or equivalent. Wire the steering linkage to the spring.

U-joint Removal:

6. Remove the two nuts and U-bolts from the front axle U-joint flange and disconnect the axle from the front axle pinion flange. Securely wire the driveshaft to the frame.

Differential Vent Tube:

7. Disconnect the vent tube at the axle housing. Plug the vent fitting.

Front Tracking Bar:

8. On the right-hand side of the vehicle, remove the nut and bolt and disconnect the tracking bar from the right-hand spring cap.

Jack Stand Placement:

9. Carefully lower the twin-post hoist until the vehicle is approximately three feet from the floor. Position safety stands on the front leaf springs about halfway between the front axle leaf spring and the rear mounting shackle. Lower the vehicle so that the springs rest on the safety stands.

WARNING: BEFORE PROCEEDING, MAKE SURE THAT THE VEHICLE IS SECURELY SUPPORTED.

10. Support the axle under the differential carrier with a suitable jack, such as Rotunda Tool 077-00008 or equivalent.

U-bolt Removal:

11. Remove the U-bolts and nuts securing the axle to the spring.

12. Carefully lower the axle from the vehicle.

13. If required, place the axle in a differential carrier repair stand, such as Rotunda Tool 014-00257 or equivalent.