Axle Assembly

Axle Assembly-Front Drive

Removal
1. Position the vehicle on a hoist.
2. Open the air cleaner clamp and set the outlet air cleaner aside.





3. Remove the steering column shaft pinch bolt.
4. Disconnect the steering column coupling from the steering gear.

5. WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch located in the RH kick panel area. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.

With the transmission in NEUTRAL, raise and support the vehicle.





6. Index-mark the front driveshaft to the universal joint drive pinion flange.





7. CAUTION: Do not allow the driveshaft to hang unsupported.

Disconnect and support the front driveshaft.
1 Remove the four bolts.
2 Carefully disconnect and support the front driveshaft.





8. CAUTION: Do not allow the halfshaft to hang unsupported.

Remove the six bolts, and disconnect the front drive halfshaft from the front axle shaft.
^ Repeat this step for the opposite side.





9. Remove the four crossmember bolts and the crossmember.





10. Use a high-lift jack to support the axle assembly.





11. Remove the nut and bolt.





12. Remove the bolt.





13. Remove the bolt.
14. Carefully lower the front drive axle assembly.
15. Disconnect the vent tube.

Installation
1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.