Removal and Installation

Axle Assembly

Removal





1. Chock the front wheels.





2. Loosen, but do not remove, the rear wheel lug nuts.





3. Raise and support the rear of the vehicle high enough so that it will clear the axle assembly when removing it.





4. Remove the rear wheels using a wheel dolly.





5. Release the parking brake cable tension, and disconnect the cables at the equalizer and the anchor plate.





6. Remove the frame anchors, and position the parking brake cables aside.





7. Disconnect the rear anti-lock brake sensor electrical connector. Release the harness clips and position the harness aside.





8. NOTE: To maintain driveline balance, mark the driveshaft components so they can be reinstalled in their original positions.

Disconnect the driveshaft, and position it aside.





9. If so equipped, disconnect the sway bar at the sway links.





10. Disconnect the shock absorbers at the axle.





11. Disconnect the hydraulic brake hose and axle vent hose at the crossmember. Plug the brake hose and brake line, and position the hoses aside.





12. CAUTION: The nose of the axle will drop downward when loosening the U-bolts. Make sure to support the axle nose as well as the rear of the housing with the jack.

Support the axle with a suitable floor jack.





13. Remove the U-bolt nuts, the spring seat caps and the U-bolts.





14. WARNING: Watch for obstructions while lowering and removing the axle.

Carefully lower the axle and remove it.

Installation
1. Follow the removal procedure in reverse order.
^ Refer to the shock absorber, the sway bar and the U-bolt torque specifications.
^ Refer to the wheel lug nut torque specifications.

2. Bleed the brakes.
3. Make sure the axle lubricant level is correct.