8.6, 9.5, 10.5 Inch Axle

Removal Procedure





1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
2. Support the axle assembly with a suitable lifting device.
3. Drain the lubricant from the axle housing.
4. Disconnect the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement - One Piece or Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece.
^ Tie the propeller shaft to a side rail or crossmember.
^ Tape the bearing cups to prevent loss of the needle bearings.

5. Remove the wheel and brake drum or hub and drum assembly. Refer to Brake Lining Replacement (Duo-Servo Drum Brakes) or Brake Lining Replacement (Leading/Trailing Drum Brakes).
6. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the lever and at the brake backing plate. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement - Rear (Except 3500 Series) or Park Brake Cable Replacement -Rear (3500 Series) in Brakes and Traction Control.
7. Disconnect the hydraulic brake pipes from the connectors. Refer to Brake Pipe Replacement in Brakes and Traction Control.
8. Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle brackets. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (RWD) or Shock Absorber Replacement (S4WD) in Steering and Suspension.
9. Remove the vent hose from the axle vent fitting. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement.
10. Remove the nuts and washers from the U-bolts.
11. Remove the U-bolts, spring plates, and spacers from the axle assembly.
12. Lower the axle assembly.

Installation Procedure





1. Place the axle assembly under the vehicle.
2. Align the axle assembly with the springs.
3. Connect the spacers, spring plates, and U-bolts to the axle assembly.
4. Raise the axle assembly.
5. Install the washers and nuts to the U-bolts.
6. Install the vent hose to the axle vent fitting (if used). Refer to Vent Hose Replacement
7. Connect the shock absorbers to the axle brackets. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (RWD) or Shock Absorber Replacement (S4WD) in Steering and Suspension.
8. Connect the hydraulic brake pipes to the connectors. Refer to Brake Pipe Replacement in Brakes and Traction Control.
9. Connect the parking brake cable to the lever and the brake backing plate. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement - Rear (Except 3500 Series) or Park Brake Cable Replacement - Rear (3500 Series) in Brakes and Traction Control.
10. Install the wheel and brake drum or hub and drum assembly. Refer to Brake Lining Replacement (Duo-Servo Drum Brakes) or Brake Lining Replacement (Leading/Trailing Drum Brakes).

Important:
1. Check axle lubricant level at the filler plug hole.
2. Lubricate as necessary. Refer to Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations.
3. Bleed the brake system, check brake operation, and adjust if necessary. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Brakes and Traction Control.
4. Check for fluid leaks.
5. Road test the vehicle.

11. Connect the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement - One Piece or Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece.