Axle Assembly

Axle Assembly






Removal and Installation

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. They must be replaced with the same part number or an equivalent part if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Vehicle Jacking and Lifting.

2. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires.

3. Remove the wheel knuckles. For additional information, refer to Front Suspension and/or Steering Knuckle.

4. Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link bolt and disconnect the stabilizer bar from the frame.
- To install, tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).

5. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness from the radius arms.

6. Remove the 2 brake hose bracket bolts and position the brake hose brackets aside.
- To install, tighten to 18 Nm (159 lb-in).





7. NOTE: Index-mark the driveshaft to the pinion flange to maintain correct driveline balance.

Remove and discard the 4 driveshaft flange bolts and 2 retainers, and disconnect the driveshaft at the front axle. Wrap electrical tape around the bearing cups and using mechanic's wire, position the front driveshaft aside.

- To install, tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).





8. NOTE: It is necessary to load the suspension to remove the trackbar. Load the springs by allowing most of the front vehicle weight to rest on the axle.

Support the axle with a suitable jack, and lower the vehicle enough to relieve the tension on the trackbar. Remove and discard the trackbar ball joint nut. Using the Steering Arm Remover, disconnect the trackbar at the axle, then using mechanic's wire, position the trackbar aside.
- Relieve the load on the suspension after disconnecting the trackbar.

- Maintain the jack support of the axle assembly.

- To install, tighten to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft).





9. Disconnect the vent tube and the routing clip.

10. Position aside the hublock vacuum hoses.
- On the LH side of the axle, remove the hublock vacuum hose bolt.

- Position aside the hublock vacuum hoses.

- To install, tighten to 20 Nm (177 lb-in).





11. WARNING: Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorber or strut tube. The shock absorber and strut tube are gas pressurized and could explode if heated. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

Remove and discard the 2 lower shock bolts.
- To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).





12. Lower the axle.

13. Remove the front coil springs.





14. Remove and discard the 4 trailing arm bolts.
- To install, tighten to 300 Nm (221 lb-ft).





15. Lower the axle from the vehicle.





16. To install, reverse the removal procedure.