Rear Axle Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle)

Rear Axle Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle)

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehcile. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the rear tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .




3. Remove the vent hose from the rear drive axle.
4. Remove the electronic suspension control sensor , if equipped.

* For the left side, refer to Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Left Side (Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Left Side) .
* For the right side, refer to Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Right Side (Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Right Side) .

5. Remove the rear wheel speed sensors from the rear drive axle. Refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement .
6. Remove the rear brake calipers, and relocate to the side. Refer to .
7. Drain the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.0/8.6 Inch Axle) (Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.0/8.6 Inch Axle))Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) (Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle)) .
8. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Left Side (Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Left Side) .
9. Remove the rear axle tie rod. Refer to Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Right Side (Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Right Side) .

Important: The stabilizer shaft links do not have removed in the following procedure. Rotate the links upward toward the frame and of the way.


10. Remove the rear stabilizer shaft, if equipped. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (Rear Suspension) .




11. Remove the rear brake pipe retaining bracket bolt (1).
12. Remove the rear brake junction block retaining bolt (2) at the rear axle cover.
13. Secure the rear brake pipes to the frame with mechanics wire or equivalent.




14. Remove the rear brake pipe from the retaining strap (1).
15. Remove the brake pipe retaining bracket bolt (2).

Important: Ensure that the rear drive axle is properly secured to the jack stand.


16. Support the rear drive axle with a hydraulic jack stand.

Important: In steps 17 and 18, it is not necessary to remove the control arms. Secure the control arms to the frame with the use of mechanics wire or equivalent.


17. Remove the lower control arm bolts from the rear the drive axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement (Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement) .
18. Remove the upper control arm bolts from the rear drive axle. Refer to Rear Axle Upper Control Arm Replacement (Rear Axle Upper Control Arm Replacement) .
19. With the aid of an assistant, lower the drive axle.
20. Remove the rear coil springs.




21. Lower the rear drive axle assembly.
22. Transfer parts , if needed.



Installation Procedure





1. Position the rear drive axle assembly under the vehcile.
2. With the aide of an assistant, raise the rear drive axle into place.
3. Install the rear coil springs on the rear drive axle.
4. Install the upper control arms to the rear drive axle. Refer to .
5. Install the lower control arms to the rear drive axle. Refer to.
6. Install the lower shock absorber bolts to the rear drive axle. Refer to.
7. Remove the hydraulic jack stand from the rear drive axle assembly.





Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice .

8. Install the rear brake pipe retaining bracket bolt (1).

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

9. Install the rear brake junction block retaining bolt (2) at the rear axle cover.

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





10. Install the brake pipe retaining bracket bolt (2).

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

11. Install the rear brake pipe in the retaining strap (1).




12. Install rear drive axle the vent hose.

Important: Rotate the stabilizer shaft links down into position to install them.


13. Install the rear stabilizer shaft, if equipped. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement (Rear Suspension) .
14. Install the rear wheel speed sensors. Refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement .
15. Install the rear axle tie rod. Refer to Rear Axle Tie Rod Replacement (Rear Suspension) .
16. Install the rear brake calipers. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Overhaul (2500 Series) .
17. Install the rear propeller shaft. Refer to Rear Propeller Shaft Replacement (Service and Repair) .
18. Install the air level sensors.

* For the left side, refer to Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Left Side (Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Left Side) .
* For the right side, refer to Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Right Side (Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement - Right Side) .

19. Fill the rear drive axle with fluid. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.0/8.6 Inch Axle) (Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (8.0/8.6 Inch Axle))Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle) (Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement (10.5 Inch Axle)) .
20. Install the rear tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair) .
21. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
22. Calibrate the air level control, if needed. Refer to Suspension Position Calibration (Programming and Relearning) .