8.8 Inch Ring Gear

REMOVAL





1. Relieve the tension on the parking brake system.
1 Pull the front parking brake cable and conduit.
2 Insert a suitable retainer.

NOTE: Make sure the parking brake control is fully released.

2. Raise and support the vehicle.





3. Disconnect the front parking brake cable from the parking brake cable equalizer.





4. Slide the boxed end of a 13 mm wrench over the rear parking brake cable and onto the cable conduit retainer, and pull the cable out of the parking brake cable support bracket.
^ Repeat the step for the opposite cable.





5. Remove the retaining bolt.
^ Pull the cables over the spring and tie-wrap the cable to the axle.





6. Disconnect the rear brake anti-lock sensor electrical connector.





7. Mark the driveshaft flange and the rear axle companion flange for correct alignment during the installation.





8. Remove the four driveshaft bolts and disconnect and support the driveshaft.





9. Disconnect the rear axle brake hose at the frame.





10. Remove the lower shock absorber nuts and bolts (one on each side).
11. Lower the vehicle until the tires are in contact with the floor.

NOTE: Support the front of the rear axle housing.





12. Remove the rear axle U-bolt assembly.
1 Remove the rear spring plate nuts.
2 Remove the two rear spring plate U-bolts.
3 Remove the rear spring plate.
4 Repeat the procedure for the other side.

13. Raise the vehicle until it is clear of the rear axle.

INSTALLATION











1. Follow the removal procedure in reverse order.
^ Bleed the rear brakes.