Axle Assembly

Axle Assembly

Material:

Removal and Installation
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Maintenance/Service and Repair.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
3. Remove the wheel knuckles.
4. Remove the stabilizer bar link nuts and disconnect the stabilizer bar links from the frame.
^ To install, tighten to 80 Nm (59 ft. lbs.).





5. Disconnect the anti-lock brake system (ABS) wire from the radius arms.
6. Remove the brake hose bracket bolts and brake hose brackets from the axle.
^ To install, tighten to 18 Nm (13 ft. lbs.).





7. CAUTION: Index-mark the driveshaft to the companion flange to maintain proper driveline balance.

NOTE: If new driveshaft flange bolts are not available, coat the threads of the driveshaft flange bolts with Threadlock and Sealer.

Remove and discard the driveshaft flange bolts and disconnect the driveshaft at the front axle. Wrap electrical tape around the bearing cups and using mechanic's wire, position the front driveshaft aside.
^ To install, tighten to 35 Nm (26 ft. lbs.).





8. NOTE: It is necessary to load the suspension to remove the trackbar. Load the springs by allowing most of the front vehicle weight to rest on the axle.

Support the axle with a suitable jack, and lower the vehicle enough to relieve the tension on the trackbar. Remove the trackbar nut and disconnect the trackbar at the axle, then using mechanic's wire, position the trackbar aside.
^ Relieve the load on the suspension after disconnecting the trackbar.
^ Leave the jack supporting the axle for removal from the vehicle.
^ To install, tighten to 250 Nm (184 ft. lbs.).





9. Disconnect the vent tube and the routing clip.
10. Position aside the hublock vacuum hoses.
^ On the LH side of the axle, remove the hublock vacuum hose bolt.
^ To install, tighten to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).
^ Position aside the hublock vacuum hoses.





11. Remove the lower shock bolts.
^ To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 ft. lbs.).





12. Lower the axle.
13. Remove the front coil springs.





14. Remove the trailing arm bolts.
^ To install, tighten to 300 Nm (221 ft. lbs.).





15. Lower the axle from the vehicle.





16. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
^ Check and, if necessary, fill the axle with the specified lubricant.