Replacement

REMOVAL
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheels and tires.
3. Remove the brake calipers and rotors. Refer to Brakes, for proper procedures.
4. Remove ABS wheel speed sensors, if equipped. Refer to Brakes, for proper procedures.
5. Disconnect the axle vent hose.
6. Disconnect vacuum hose and electrical connector at disconnect housing.
7. Remove the front propeller shaft.
8. Disconnect the stabilizer bar links at the axle brackets.
9. Disconnect the shock absorbers from axle brackets.
10. Disconnect the track bar from the axle bracket.
11. Disconnect the tie rod and drag link from the steering knuckles.
12. Position the axle with a suitable lifting device under the axle assembly.
13. Secure axle to lifting device.
14. Mark suspension alignment cams for installation reference.
15. Disconnect the upper and lower suspension arms from the axle bracket.
16. Lower the axle. The coil springs will drop with the axle.
17. Remove the coil springs from the axle bracket.

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber bushings should be tightened with the weight of the vehicle on the suspension, at normal height. If springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected and premature bushing wear may occur. Rubber bushings must never be lubricated.

1. Support the axle on a suitable lifting device.
2. Secure axle to lifting device.
3. Position the axle under the vehicle.
4. Install the springs, retainer clip and bolts.
5. Raise the axle and align it with the spring pads.
6. Position the upper and lower suspension arms in the axle brackets. Install bolts, nuts and align the suspension alignment cams to the reference marks. Do not tighten at this time.
7. Connect the track bar to the axle bracket and install the bolt. Do not tighten at this time.
8. Install the shock absorber and tighten bolts to 121 Nm (89 ft. lbs.) torque.
9. Install the stabilizer bar link to the axle bracket. Tighten the nut to 37 Nm (27 ft. lbs.) torque.
10. Install the drag link and tie rod to the steering knuckles and tighten the nuts to 88 Nm (65 ft. lbs.) torque.
11. Install the ABS wheel speed sensors, if equipped. Refer to Brakes, for proper procedures.
12. Install the brake calipers and rotors. Refer to Brakes, for proper procedures.
13. Connect the vent hose to the tube fitting.
14. Connect vacuum hose and electrical connector to disconnect housing.
15. Install front propeller shaft.
16. Check and add differential lubricant, if necessary. Refer to Lubricant Specifications in this section for lubricant requirements.
17. Install the wheel and tire assemblies.
18. Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
19. Tighten the upper suspension arm nuts at axle to 121 Nm (89 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the upper suspension arm nuts at frame to 84 Nm (62 ft. lbs.) torque.
20. Tighten the lower suspension arm nuts at axle to 84 Nm (62 ft. lbs.) torque, Tighten the lower suspension arm nuts at frame to 119 Nm (88 ft. lbs.) torque.
21. Tighten the track bar bolt at the axle bracket to 176 Nm (130 ft. lbs.) torque.
22. Check the front wheel alignment.