Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle W/Drum Brakes

Rear Axle Shaft Replacement (8.6 Inch Axle w/Drum Brakes)

Removal Procedure





1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
3. Remove the rear cover and gasket.
4. Remove the pinion shaft locking bolt.





5. On axles without a locking differential, remove the pinion shaft.





6. On axles with a locking differential, remove the shaft part way. Rotate the case until the pinion shaft touches the housing.





7. On axles with a locking differential, use a screwdriver, or a similar tool, in order to enter the differential case and rotate the lock (1) until the lock aligns with the thrust block (2).





8. Remove the brake drum.
9. Push the flange of the axle shaft in toward the differential.
10. Remove the C-lock from the button end of the axle shaft.

11. Remove the axle shaft from the housing.

Important: When removing the axle shaft, do not rotate the shaft. Rotating the shaft will misalign the gears. Misaligning the gears will make assembly difficult.


Installation Procedure





1. Install the axle shaft into the rear axle housing.

Important: Carefully insert the axle shaft in order to not damage the seal.

2. Slide the axle shaft into place allowing the splines to engage the differential side gear.
3. On axles without a locking differential, place the C-lock on the button end of the axle shaft.
4. On axles with a locking differential, keep the pinion shaft partially withdrawn.
5. Install the brake drum.





6. On axles with a locking differential, place the C-lock (1) on the axle shaft (3) so that the ends are flush with the thrust block (2).
7. Pull the shaft flange outward in order to seat the lock in the differential gear.





8. Align the hole in the pinion shaft with the bolt hole in the differential case.

9. Install the new pinion shaft locking bolt.
^ Tighten the bolt to 34 Nm (25 ft. lbs.).

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

10. Install the rear cover and the gasket.
11. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
12. Fill the rear axle, using the proper fluid.
13. Lower the vehicle.