Unit Removal and Installation

REMOVAL PROCEDURE





1. Unlock the steering column so the linkage is free to move.
2. Disconnect the shift cable from the vacuum actuator.
3. Remove the battery and support tray.
4. Raise the vehicle.
5. Support the vehicle with safety stands.
6. Remove the front wheels.





7. Remove the steerage linkage shield, if equipped.





8. Remove the differential carrier shield, if equipped.





9. Remove the drain plug and flat washer. Drain the lubricant from the carrier.
10. Remove the wire from the indicator switch.
11. Remove the shift cable housing and shift cable from the carrier housing. Refer to Shift Cable Replacement in Transfer Case.
12. Remove the vent hose.
13. Remove the steering relay rod from the idler and pitman arms. Refer to Relay Rod Replacement in Steering Linkage.
14. Remove the front propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement (S4WD Models) in Propeller Shaft.
15. Remove the right and left drive axles. Refer to Front Drive Axle Assembly Replacement.





16. Remove the bolts and nuts. Hold the upper nut with an 18 mm wrench inserted through the frame.





17. Remove the bolts and nuts.
18. Remove the carrier assembly. Roll the carrier counterclockwise while lifting up to gain clearance from the mounting ears.
19. Remove the tube bolts from the carrier.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE





1. Install the tube assembly.





2. Install the tube assembly bolts to the carrier assembly.
3. Install the carrier assembly to the vehicle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

4. Install the bolts and nuts.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Tighten the bolts to 103 Nm (76 ft. lbs.) or the nuts to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).

5. Install the upper mounting bolt, washer and nut.

Tighten the bolts to 48 Nm (36 ft. lbs.).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





6. Install the front propeller shaft retainers and bolts.

Tighten the bolts to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).

7. Install the right and left drive axles. Refer to Front Drive Axle Assembly Replacement.
8. Install the vent hose.
9. Install the idler and pitman arms to the steering relay rod. Refer to Relay Rod Replacement in Steering Linkage.
10. Install the shaft and tube assembly. Refer to Inner Axle Housing Shaft and Housing Replacement.
11. Install the indicator switch wire.
12. Install the shift cable to the shift cable housing. Refer to Shift Cable Replacement in Transfer Case.
13. Install the lower shock bolt and nut. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement (RWD) or Shock Absorber Replacement (S4WD) in Front Suspension.
14. Check the axle lubricant level. Refer to Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.
15. Install the drain plug and flat washer.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Tighten the plug to 26 Nm (19 ft. lbs.).

16. Install the underbody shield, if equipped.
17. Install the tires and wheels. Remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle.
18. Install the shift cable to the vacuum actuator.
19. Install the battery tray and battery.