Axle Housing

REAR AXLE HOUSING

Construction of the axle assembly is such that service operations may be performed with the housing installed in the vehicle or with the housing removed and installed in a holding fixture. The following procedure is necessary only when the housing requires replacement.
1. Raise vehicle and place jackstands under frame side rails. Support axle housing with a suitable jack.
2. Drain lubricant from axle housing and remove propeller shaft.
3. Remove wheel and brake drum.
4. Disconnect parking brake cable from lever and at brake flange plate.
5. Disconnect hydraulic brake lines from connector and lower shock mounting from axle brackets.
6. Remove vent hose from axle vent fitting if equipped.
7. Disconnect height-sensing and brake proportioning valve linkage if equipped.
8. Support assembly with a hydraulic jack and remove rear stabilizer bar.
9. Remove U-bolts, spring plates and spacers from axle assembly.
10. Lower jack and axle assembly.
11. Reverse procedure to install.