Rear Suspension

Removal Procedure
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.





2. Ensure the rear axle support flange fastening bolts remain accessible.
3. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.





4. Remove the rear wheel speed sensor connections.





5. Remove the propeller shaft disc joint bolts from the rear differential flange.
6. Remove the exhaust system at the rubber body mounts. Refer to Exhaust System Replacement in Exhaust System.
7. Remove the brake pipe clips.
8. Remove the brake pipes from the lower control arms.





9. Remove the parking brake cables from the actuator brackets. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement in Brakes and Traction Control.
10. Remove the rear brake calipers and suspend. Do not open the brake hydraulic system. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement-Rear in Brakes and Traction Control.
11. Scribe a reference mark on the vehicle body around the perimeter of the rear axle cradle mount. This will ensure proper positioning during re-installation.
12. Support the rear axle cradle.

Important:
- Ensure the rear axle cradle is properly supported to allow for disproportionate weight distribution.
- Support each lower control arm when removing the shock absorber lower mount bolt.

13. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolts.





14. Remove the rear axle cradle mount bolts.





15. Pivot the rear axle cradle to allow for removal of the springs.
16. Remove the springs.





17. Lower the vehicle.
18. If not using a universal support table, then support the rear axle cradle with a floor jack and support with stands.
19. Remove the rear axle support flange bolts.
20. Remove the rear axle support bushing bolts.
21. Remove the rear axle cradle.

Installation Procedure





1. Perform the following steps in order to install the rear axle cradle:
1.1. Support the rear axle cradle.
1.2. Place the rear axle cradle into position.
1.3. Install the rear axle cradle.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

2. Install the rear axle support bushing bolts.
- Tighten the rear axle support bushing bolts to 125 Nm (92 ft. lbs.).
3. Install the rear axle support flange bolts.
- Tighten the rear axle support flange bolts to 65 Nm (48 ft. lbs.).
4. Raise the vehicle.





5. Install the springs.





6. Align the rear axle cradle to previously scribed marks on the vehicle underbody.
7. Install the rear axle cradle mount bolts.
- Tighten the rear axle cradle mount bolts to 65 Nm (48 ft. lbs.).





8. Support the lower control arm to allow for bolt alignment and for installation.
9. Install the shock absorber lower mounting bolts.
- Tighten the shock absorber lower mounting bolts to 110 Nm (81 ft. lbs.).





10. Remove the support from the rear axle cradle.
11. Install the rear brake calipers. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement-Rear in Brakes and Traction Control.
12. Install the parking brake cables. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement in Brakes and Traction Control.
13. Install the brake pipes to the lower control arms.
14. Use the clips to attach the brake pipes to the lower control arms.
15. Install the exhaust system to the rubber body mounts. Refer to Exhaust System Replacement in Exhaust System.
16. Install the propeller shaft disc joint bolts to the rear differential flange.
- Tighten the propeller shaft disc joint to the rear differential bolts to 95 Nm (70 ft. lbs.).





17. Install the rear wheel speed sensor connections.
18. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
19. Lower the vehicle.
20. Adjust the rear toe to specifications. Refer to Rear Toe Adjustment.