Rear Axle Service

DRIVE AXLE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT










Removal

- It is not necessary to remove the complete axle from the vehicle for routine or differential service. If the differential housing or axle shaft tubes are damaged, the complete axle can be removed and installed.

1. Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working height that will permit support stands to be installed at the front of the rear springs.

2. Block the brake pedal in the up (non-depressed) position with a wooden block.

3. Remove the wheel and tire. Do not remove the brake drum retaining clips or the drums.

4. Disconnect

5. Use an adjustable and movable jack to support the differential housing while removing the bolts.

6. Lower the jack and housing. Remove the axle and propeller shaft from vehicle.


Installation

1. Raise the housing and propeller shaft into position. Loosely install the bolts and nuts to the brackets. Refer to figure 2.

- A drift pin will be helpful when aligning the bolt holes. There are alignment holes in the adapter and in the support brackets for this purpose.

2. Tighten all the bolts finger-tight, then tighten according to the following specifications:

- Insulator-to-differential (left side) housing nut to 102 Nm (75 ft.lbs) torque.
- Insulator-to-square block (right side) housing nut to 102 Nm (75 ft.lbs) torque.
- Transmission support bracket-to-housing bolt to 88 Nm (65 ft.lbs) torque.
- Support bracket-to-adapter (left side) bolt to 88 Nm (65 ft.lbs) torque.

3. Connect the propeller shaft to the transfer case output shaft flange.

4. Connect the CV drive shafts to the axle shaft flanges.

5. Install the skid plate with the bolts. Tighten the bolts to 23 Nm (200 in.lbs) torque.

6. Adjust the vehicle in a level position. Check the differential housing lubricant level.

7. If necessary, add MOPAR Hypoid Gear Lubricant (or an equivalent).

8. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle to the surface.