Unit Removal and Installation

Axle Housing Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle at the frame. A hoist must remain under the rear axle housing.
2. Remove the rear wheels.
3. Remove the drums, if equipped.
4. Remove the rear rotors, if equipped.




5. Remove the axle vibration dampener, if equipped.
6. Remove the shock absorber nuts and washers.
7. Remove the shock absorbers from the anchor plates.




Important:
Observe and reference mark the positions of all of the following driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles prior to disassembly:
- The propeller shafts
- The drive axles
- The pinion flanges
- The output shafts
Reassemble all of the components in the exact places from where you removed these parts. Follow any specifications, torque values, and measurements obtained prior to disassembly.

8. Mark the propeller shaft and the pinion flange.
9. Remove the propeller shaft.
10. Secure the propeller shaft out of the way in order to not place stress on the universal joints.
11. Remove the brake pipes at the axle housing.
12. Disconnect the brake pipes at the backing plates.
13. Disconnect the rear park brake cable(s) from the rear axle.
14. Remove the nuts and washers.
15. Remove the U-bolts and the anchor plates.




16. Disconnect the vent hose from the axle housing.
1. Move the axle from above the springs.
2. Lower the axle from the vehicle, using the hoist.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the axle into the vehicle using the hoist.




2. Connect the vent hose to the axle housing.




3. Install the U-bolts and the anchor plates.
4. Install the nuts and the washers.
Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 100 N.m (74 lb ft)
5. Connect the brake pipes to the backing plate.
6. Connect the park brake cable(s).
7. Install the brake pipes at the axle housing.
8. Bleed the brake system.




9. Align the previously drawn marks on the propeller shaft with the marks on the pinion flange. Install the propeller shaft.
10. Install the retainers and the bolts to the pinion flange.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 45 N.m (33 lb ft).
11. Install the axle vibration dampener, if equipped.




12. Install the shock absorbers to the anchor plates.
13. Install the washers and the nuts.
Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 54 N.m (62 lb ft).

14. Install the rear rotors, if equipped.
15. Install the drums, if equipped.
16. Install the rear wheels.
17. Add lubricant to the axle housing to a level within 9.5 mm (3/8 in) of the filler plug hole.