Axle Housing

Axle Housing

Removal and Installation

1. CAUTION: Reinstall the differential thrust plate and the bolt in the differential case after removing the axle shafts.

Remove the axle shafts.





2. Index-mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange for correct alignment during installation.





3. Remove the four bolts.





4. CAUTION: The driveshaft flange fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange. Pry only in the area shown with a suitable tool to disconnect the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange.

Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft flange from the rear axle pinion flange.
^ Position the driveshaft aside.





5. Disconnect the rear brake anti-lock sensor electrical connector from the sensor.
^ Separate the wiring harness from the clips, and position the harness aside.
6. Disconnect the vent hose from the axle.





7. Separate the brake lines from the retaining clips on the axle.

8. NOTE: Do not disconnect the brake lines from the brake hose junction block.

Disconnect the brake hose junction block from the differential housing.





9. Disconnect the rear brake backing plates from the axle. Wire the assemblies out of the way.





10. Position a suitable jack under the differential housing and strap it securely in place.





11. Remove the nuts and the bolts retaining the shock absorbers to the axle.





12. Remove the nuts, the rear axle U-bolts and the rear spring plates.
13. Lower the rear axle from the vehicle.





14. CAUTION: If new bolts to retain the driveshaft to the axle are not available, coat the threads of the original bolts with threadlock.

CAUTION: The driveshaft flange fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. To make sure that the driveshaft flange seats squarely on the pinion flange, tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern as shown.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.