Rear Axle Replacement

Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure




1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair) .
2. Drain the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.0 Inch Axle) (Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.0 Inch Axle))Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch axle) (Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle)) .
3. Remove the propeller shaft.

* For vehicles equipped with one piece propeller shafts, refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement (One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement) .
* For vehicles equipped with two piece propeller shafts, refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.0 Inch Axle) (Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.0 Inch Axle))Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) (Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle)) .

4. Remove the vent tube.




5. Remove the retaining bolts from the park brake cables at the rear leaf springs. Left side shown, right side similar.




6. Remove the clips retaining the rear brake lines to the rear axle housing.




7. Remove the bolts retaining the rear brake lines to the rear axle jounce bumper mounting brackets.




8. Remove the bolt retaining the rear brake line to the differential cover.




9. Remove the bolt retaining the brake junction block to the rear axle.




10. Remove the rear axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (Service and Repair) .

Important: The rear brake shoe assembly DOES NOT have to be removed to perform the following service procedure.


11. Remove the mounting bolts to the backing plates.
12. Relocate the rear shoe assemblies to the side and support with mechanic's wire or equivalent.




13. Remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolt and nut.




14. Remove the U-bolt nuts.
15. Remove the anchor plate.
16. Remove the U-bolts from the rear axle housing.




17. With the aid of an assistant, remove the rear axle assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure




1. With the aid of an assistant, position the rear axle assembly on the rear leaf springs.




2. Install the U-bolts.
3. Position the anchor plates on the leaf spring.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (Fastener Notice) .

4. Install the U-bolt nuts.

Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 76 N.m (56 lb ft).




5. Install the bottom shock absorber nut and bolt.

Tighten the shock absorber bolt to 95 N.m (70 lb ft).

6. Install the mounting bolts for the backing plates.

Tighten the backing plate bolts to 135 N.m (100 lb ft).




7. Install the retaining bolts from the park brake cables at the rear leaf springs. Left side shown, right side similar.

Tighten the backing plate bolts to 135 N.m (100 lb ft).




8. Install the retaining bolts for the rear brake lines at the rear axle jounce bumper mounting brackets.

Tighten the brake line retaining bolts to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).




9. Install the retaining bolt for the rear brake at the differential cover.

Tighten the retaining bolt to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).




10. Install the retaining bolt for the brake junction block at the rear axle.

Tighten the brake junction block retaining bolt to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).




11. Install the retaining clips for the rear brake lines from the rear axle housing.
12. Install the vent tube.




13. Install the rear axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (Service and Repair) .




14. Install the propeller shaft.

* For vehicles equipped with one piece propeller shafts, refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement (One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement) .
* For vehicles equipped with two piece propeller shafts, refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.0 Inch Axle) (Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.0 Inch Axle))Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle) (Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle)) .

15. Fill the rear axle with fluid. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.0 Inch Axle) (Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.0 Inch Axle))Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch axle) (Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle)) .
16. Lower the vehicle.