Differential Assembly: Service and Repair

1. Raise vehicle and remove rear and center exhaust system.
2. Drain and lower fuel tank.
3. Remove parking brake cable and lever assembly.
4. Remove any protection plates from below vehicle.
5. Remove fuel filter pipe, heat shield, parking brake cable splitter and lever, then disconnect parking brake cable.
6. Loosen two mounting bolts at rear of fuel tank.
7. Disconnect brake pipe on left side and plug fitting.
8. Disconnect brake lines at compensator valve, then plug pipes and valve ports.
9. On models with ABS, remove wheel sensors and tie them away from parking brake cable.
10. On all models, raise vehicle until the arms are fully extended with wheels making contact with floor.
11. Support crossmember tube with a jack.

Fig. 2 Rear Axle Assembly Removal:

12. Remove two rear retaining bolts through holes (a), Fig. 2, and four bolts (5) at front of assembly.
13. Lower jack and move assembly to clear filler neck, then raise vehicle and remove axle assembly.
14. Reverse procedure to install. Ensure tank filler neck is clear as assembly is positioned below vehicle.
15. Tighten rear suspension bolts to specifications, install wheel sensors and bleed brake system.