Removal and Installation

Axle Housing

Removal and Installation
1. Remove the axle shafts.
^ Wire the calipers aside. Do not remove the brake lines from the calipers.





2. Mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange for correct alignment during installation.








3. Remove the bolts.





4. CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the yoke from the flange. Pry only in the area shown with a suitable tool to disconnect the yoke from the flange.

Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the rear axle pinion flange.





5. Remove the brake discs.





6. Remove the retainer bracket bolt.
^ Wire the calipers out of the way.





7. Remove the parking brake cables.





8. Remove the brake hose junction block retaining bolt.





9. Disconnect the vent hose.





10. Remove the bolt.





11. Remove the brake lines from the clips.
12. Remove the driveshaft.





13. Disconnect the electrical connector.





14. Remove the stabilizer-to-axle housing U-bolts and nuts.





15. Support the axle housing with a transmission jack.
^ Use extra support straps as necessary.





16. Remove the shock absorber bolts.





17. Remove the rear spring plate U-bolts.
1 Remove the rear spring plate nuts.
2 Remove the two rear spring plate U-bolts.
3 Remove the rear spring plate.
4 Repeat the procedure for the other side.
18. Lower the axle housing from the vehicle.





19. CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. To make sure that the yoke seats squarely on the flange, tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern as shown.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.