Rear Drive Axle

Removal Procedure





1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle at the frame. A hoist must remain under the rear axle housing. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the rear wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment .
3. Remove the drums, if equipped.
4. Remove the rear rotors, if equipped. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Rear in Disc Brake Systems.
5. Remove axle vibration dampener, if equipped. Refer to Axle Vibration Damper Replacement (ZR2).
6. Remove the shock absorber nuts and washers.
7. Remove the shock absorbers from the anchor plates.

Important: Observe and reference mark the positions of all the driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles prior to disassembly. These components include the propeller shafts, the drive axles, the pinion flanges, and the output shafts. Reassemble all the components in the exact places from where you removed these parts. Follow any specifications, torque values, and measurements obtained prior to disassembly.

8. Mark the propeller shaft and the pinion flange.
9. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement - Rear in Drive/Propeller Shafts, Bearings & Joints.
10. Secure the propeller shaft out of the way in order to not put stress on the universal joints.
11. Remove the brake pipes at the axle housing.
12. Disconnect the brake pipes at the backing plates.
13. Disconnect the rear park brake cable(s) from the rear axle. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement - Rear (RWD Pickups) or Park Brake Cable Replacement - Rear (4WD Pickups and Utilities) in Park Brake.
14. Remove the nuts and washers.
15. Remove the U-bolts and anchor plates. Refer to Leaf Spring Replacement in Rear Suspension.





16. Disconnect the vent hose from the axle housing.
16.1. Move the axle from above the springs.
16.2. Lower the axle from the vehicle, using the hoist.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the axle into the vehicle using the hoist.
2. Connect the vent hose to the axle housing.





3. Install the U-bolts and the anchor plates. Refer to Leaf Spring Replacement in Rear Suspension.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

4. Install the nuts and the washers.
^ Tighten the nuts to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.).
5. Connect the brake pipes to the backing plate.
6. Connect the park brake cable(s). Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement - Rear (RWD Pickups) or Park Brake Cable Replacement - Rear (4WD Pickups and Utilities) in Park Brake.
7. Install the brake pipes at the axle housing.
8. Bleed the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.





9. Line up the previously made marks on the propeller shaft with the marks on the pinion flange. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement -Rear in Drive/Propeller Shafts, Bearings & Joints.
10. Install the retainers and the bolts to the pinion flange.
^ Tighten the bolts to 45 Nm (33 ft. lbs.).
11. Install the shock absorbers to the anchor plates.
12. Install the washers and the nuts.
^ Tighten the nuts to 84 Nm (62 ft. lbs.).
13. Install the rear rotors, if equipped. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Rea in Disc Brake Systems.
14. Install the drums, if equipped.
15. Install the rear wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Wheels, Tires and Alignment .
16. Add lubricant to the axle housing to a level within 9.5 mm (3/8 inch) of the filler plug hole.