Removal & Installation

REMOVAL
1. With the transmission in Neutral, raise and support the vehicle.

WARNING: THE ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM MUST BE SHUT OFF PRIOR TO HOISTING, JACKING OR TOWING AN AIR SUSPENSION VEHICLE. THIS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED BY TURNING OFF THE AIR SUSPENSION SWITCH LOCATED IN THE RH KICK PANEL AREA. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN RESULT IN UNEXPECTED INFLATION OR DEFLATION OF THE AIR SPRINGS, WHICH CAN RESULT IN SHIFTING OF THE VEHICLE DURING THESE OPERATIONS.






2. Index mark the front driveshaft to the front axle universal joint flange.






3. Disconnect the front driveshaft.
1 Remove the four bolts.
2 Carefully disconnect and support the front driveshaft.

CAUTION: Do not allow the driveshaft to hang unsupported.






4. Remove the six front drive halfshaft bolts and disconnect the front drive halfshaft.
^ Repeat Step 4 for the opposite side.

CAUTION: Do not allow the halfshaft to hang unsupported.






5. Disconnect the vacuum lines and the front axle vent tube.






6. Use a high-lift jack to support the front drive axle/differential.






7. Remove the front differential support.
1 Remove the front carrier bushing nut and bolt.
2 Remove the front differential support nuts and bolts.
3 Remove the front differential support.






8. Remove the right axle tube bushing nut and bolt.






9. Remove the differential cover bushing nut and bolt.
10. Carefully lower the front drive axle assembly.
11. Place the drive axle assembly in a suitable holding fixture.

INSTALLATION






1. Use a high-lift jack to position the front drive axle assembly.






2. Install the differential cover bushing nut and bolt.






3. Install the right axle tube bushing bolt and nut.






4. Install the front differential support.
1 Position the front differential support.
2 Install the bolts and nuts.
3 Install the carrier bushing bolts and nuts.

5. Remove the high-lift jack.






6. Connect the vacuum lines and the front axle vent tube.






7. Position the front drive halfshafts and install the six front drive halfshaft bolts on each side.






8. Align the index marks, then attach the front driveshaft.
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. If equipped with air suspension, reactivate the system by turning on the air suspension switch.