Axle Housing Assembly

Removal & Installation

To Remove:

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

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
2. Remove the axle shafts.
3. Put alignment marks on the driveshaft flange and pinion flange to ensure correct alignment during installation.
4. Remove the 4 bolts.

   CAUTION
   The driveshaft flange fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. Do not hammer on the driveshaft or any driveshaft components to disconnect the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange. Only pry in the area shown in the illustration with an appropriate tool to disconnect the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange.

5. Use an appropriate tool, as shown in the graphic below, to disconnect the driveshaft flange from the rear axle pinion flange.

   Properly disconnect the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange

   NOTE: In vehicles equipped with rear stabilizer bars, remove the rear stabilizer bar.

6. Disconnect the electrical connector for the rear brake anti-lock sensor. Next, separate the wiring harness from the clips and move it to the side.
7. Disconnect the vent hose from the axle.
8. Separate the brake lines from the retaining clips on the axle.
9. Remove the brake lines from the axle housing.
10. Disconnect the rear drum brake backing plates and wire them out of the way.
11. Place an appropriate jack under the differential housing and strap it securely in place.
12. Remove the nuts and bolts that fasten the shock absorbers to the axle.
13. Remove the rear U-bolt assembly on each side.
14. Lower the rear axle from the vehicle.

To Install:

1. Install the driveshaft-to-flange mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern.
   • Torque to 83 ft-lb (112 Nm).
2. Install the U-bolt assembly.
   • Torque the nuts to 76 ft-lb (103 Nm).
3. Install the nuts and bolts that fasten the shock absorbers to the axle.
   • Torque to 50 ft-lb (68 Nm).
4. Connect the rear drum brake backing plates.
   • Torque to 45 ft-lb (61 Nm).
5. Install the brake lines to the axle housing.
   • Torque to 14 ft-lb (18 Nm).
6. Install the driveshaft.
7. Install the axle shaft.
8. Safely lower the vehicle.