8.6, 9.5 Inch Axle

Rear Axle Replacement (8.6 Inch, 9.5 Inch Axle)

Removal Procedure
1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Place jack or utility stands at the front end of the vehicle.
3. Drain the axle lubricant from the rear axle.
4. Disconnect the propeller shaft.
5. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies.
6. Disconnect the parking brake cable
7. Remove the brake line bracket bolts. Suspend the brake lines from the vehicle with heavy mechanic's wire.
8. Remove the brake calipers from the brake caliper mounting brackets. Do not disconnect the brake lines. Suspend the calipers from the vehicle with heavy mechanic's wire.
9. Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle brackets.
10. Remove the vent hose from the rear axle vent fitting.
11. Remove the nuts and the washers from the U-bolts.





12. Remove the U-bolts, the spring plates and the spacers from the axle assembly.
13. Lower the axle assembly.

Installation Procedure
1. Place the rear axle assembly under the vehicle.





2. Align the rear axle assembly with the springs.
3. Connect the spacers, the spring plates and the U-bolts to the rear axle.
4. Raise the rear axle assembly into position.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

5. Install the washers if equipped and the nuts to the U-bolts.
^ 15 series tighten the nuts in a criss-cross pattern to 72 Nm (53 lb ft).
^ 25 series tighten the nuts in a criss-cross pattern to 150 Nm (110 lb ft).

6. Install the vent hose to the rear axle vent fitting.
7. Connect the shock absorbers to the rear axle.
8. Install the brake calipers.
9. Install the brake lines and the brake line bracket bolts to the axle.
10. Connect the parking brake cable.
11. Install the tire and wheel assemblies.
12. Connect the propeller shaft.
13. Fill the axle with lubricant Use the proper fluid.
14. Remove the utility stands
15. Lower the vehicle.