Removal and Installation

Removal
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.





3. Mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange.





4. Remove the four bolts.





5. 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.
^ Position the driveshaft out of the way.

6. Remove the axle shafts.
^ Wire the brake backing plates or calipers aside. Do not disconnect the brake lines.





7. Disconnect the rear brake anti-lock sensor electrical connector.





8. Remove the vent hose.





9. Remove the brake hose junction block bolt.





10. Separate the parking brake cables from the rear axle housing.








11. Remove the brake line from the brake line retaining clips.





12. Support the rear axle with a suitable transmission jack.





13. Remove the lower shock absorber nuts and bolts.





14. Remove the rear axle U-bolt assembly.
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.
15. Lower the axle from the vehicle.

Installation














1. 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.