Removal

REMOVAL





1. With vehicle in neutral, position vehicle on hoist.
2. Remove skid plate, if equipped.
3. Remove differential housing (3) drain plug (2) and drain the fluid.
4. Install the drain plug and torque to 34 Nm (25 ft. lbs.).





5. Remove the wheel and tire assemblies.
6. Mark front propeller shaft (1) and pinion flange (2) for installation reference. Remove propeller shaft from pinion flange.





7. Remove hub nuts (1) from half shafts (2).





8. Remove stabilizer bar link (1) bolts (2) from lower control arm.





9. Remove the shock clevises. Removal.





10. Remove tie rod end (1) nuts and separate ends from the steering knuckles (2).





11. Remove both front brake calipers and hang with mechanics wire. Disc Brake Caliper - Removal.
12. Remove upper ball joint nuts (1) from steering knuckles (2) and separate ball joints from steering knuckles (2).





13. Pull out on the steering knuckles (2) and push the half shaft (1) out of the knuckles.
14. With a pry bar remove the RH half shaft (1) from the axle.





15. Remove oil filter drain tray (1) and vent hose (2) from differential cover.





16. Support axle with a lift/jack.
17. Loosen the front axle bracket nut and bolt (1) from crossmember. Remove front axle bracket nuts and bolts (2) from axle housing.





18. Remove nut and bolt (1) from right axle (2) bracket.





19. Remove bolts (1) from rear axle bracket (2).






NOTE: To remove the axle, tilt the cover side of the axle downward while maneuvering the front axle bracket out of the way. Then lower the axle and slide it to the RH side of the vehicle to clear the LH axle shaft

20. Remove the axle (1) from the vehicle.