Rear Axle - Replacement

Removal Procedure

Important: Observe and accurately mark the positions of all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles prior to disassembly. These components include the propeller shaft, drive axles, pinion flanges, output shafts, etc. Reassemble all components in the exact relationship the components had to each other during removal. Follow specifications and torque values. Follow any measurements made prior to disassembly. Refer to Rear Axle Description.

1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
2. Support the rear axle in order to relieve tension on the leaf springs.
3. Remove the wheel and tire assemblies from the rear axle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Excessively Tight Wheels) in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
4. Remove the propeller shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement-One Piece or Propeller Shaft Replacement-Two Piece.
5. Disconnect the parking brake cable. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement (Rear Cables).
6. Remove the vent hose from the axle. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement.
7. Disconnect the rear brake lines from the axle. Refer to Brake Hose Replacement-Rear (8 1/2 and 9 1/2 Inch Ring Gear) or Brake Hose Replacement-Rear (10 1/2 Inch Ring Gear) in Brakes and Traction Control.
8. Disconnect the lower portion of the shock absorber from the axle. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Steering and Suspension.
9. Remove the leaf springs from the vehicle.
10. Remove the rear axle from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

Important: Observe and accurately mark the positions of all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles prior to disassembly. These components include the propeller shaft, drive axles, pinion flanges, output shafts, etc. Reassemble all components in the exact relationship the components had to each other during removal. Follow specifications and torque values. Follow any measurements made prior to disassembly. Refer to Rear Axle Description.

1. Install the rear axle to the vehicle.
2. Install the leaf springs to the vehicle.
3. Connect the lower portion of the shock absorber to the rear axle. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Steering and Suspension.
4. Connect the rear brake lines to the axle. Refer to Brake Hose Replacement-Rear (8 1/2 and 9 1/2 Inch Ring Gear) or Brake Hose Replacement-Rear (10 1/2 Inch Ring Gear) in Brakes and Traction Control.
5. Install the vent hose to the axle. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement.
6. Fill the rear axle with oil. Refer to Lubrication Specifications.
7. Connect the parking brake cable to the rear axle. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement (Rear Cables).
8. Install the propeller shaft to the vehicle. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement-One Piece or Propeller Shaft Replacement-Two Piece.
9. Install the wheel and tire assemblies to the rear axle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Excessively Tight Wheels) in Wheels, Tires and Alignment.
10. Remove the supports from the rear axle.
11. Lower the vehicle.