Removal and Replacement

1. Remove cotter pins and remove axle shaft nuts.
2. Raise vehicle and position support stands under rear frame side sills.
3. Remove wheels and brake drum retaining screws.
4. Remove brake drums, then disconnect brake lines at wheel cylinders.
5. Using a suitable puller, remove support plates, oil seal, retainer and endplay shims. Axle shaft endplay shims are installed at left side of axle only.
6. Using a suitable puller, remove axle shafts.
7. Remove axle housing cover and drain lubricant, then reinstall cover.
8. Disconnect parking brake cables at equalizer.
9. Mark universal joint and rear axle yokes for reassembly, then disconnect propeller at rear yoke.
10. Remove stabilizer bar, if equipped.
11. Disconnect brake hose at body floor pan bracket.
12. Disconnect vent tube from axle tube.
13. Support axle assembly using a suitable jack.
14. Disconnect shock absorbers at spring plates.
15. Remove spring U-bolts, spring plates and spring clip plate, if equipped with a stabilizer bar.
16. Rotate axle until it clears springs, then lower axle assembly and remove from vehicle.
17. Reverse procedure to install.