Differential Assembly: Service and Repair

1. Raise vehicle and position safety stands under the rear frame crossmember.
2. Disconnect driveshaft at companion flange and secure it to vehicle using wire.
3. Remove wheels and brake drums. If equipped with rear disc brakes, remove calipers from anchor plates and rotors from shafts.
4. The rear anti-lock brake sensor ring must be removed before axle shafts are removed. The sensor ring is located between the brake drum and axle shaft.
5. Support axle housing with floor jack.
6. Disconnect brake line from clips that retain line to axle housing, then disconnect vent from rear axle housing. Some axle vents may be secured to the housing assembly through the brake junction block. When reinstalling, apply thread locking compound E0AZ-19554-B or equivalent to ensure proper retention.
7. Disconnect shock absorbers from axle housing.
8. Disconnect upper control arms from mountings on axle housing.
9. Lower axle housing assembly until coils springs are released, then remove springs.
10. Disconnect lower control arms from mountings on axle housing, then lower the axle housing and remove it from vehicle.
11. Reverse procedure to install.