Axle Housing

Axle Housing

Removal and Installation

All vehicles






1. CAUTION: The vehicle must be on level ground and at curb height.

Mark the rear shock absorbers relative to their protective sleeve.
^ During installation, raise the suspension to this reference mark before tightening the suspension fasteners.

2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
3. Remove the rear wheel and tire assemblies..

Convertibles





4. Remove and discard the 4 rear support brace bolts.
^ To install, tighten to 63 Nm (46 ft. lbs.).





5. Remove and discard the 2 upper support brace bolts.
^ To install, tighten to 63 Nm (46 ft. lbs.).





6. Remove and discard the 4 front support brace bolts.
^ To install, tighten to 63 Nm (46 ft. lbs.).

All vehicles









7. NOTE: Using 2 screwdrivers through the access hole, depress the tabs of the track-bar cover retaining clip.

Remove the track-bar cover.






8. NOTE: The suspension must be at ride height when tightening suspension components.

Remove the track-bar bolts and track-bar flag nuts, then the track-bar.
^ Discard the track-bar bolts and track-bar flag nuts.
^ To install, tighten to 175 Nm (129 ft. lbs.).

9. Remove the differential ring and pinion.






10. CAUTION: Secure the differential housing to the transmission jack with a suitable strap.

Support the differential housing with a suitable transmission jack.





11. Remove and discard the shock absorber nuts and shock absorber bolts.
^ To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs.).





12. Remove and discard the upper suspension arm nut and upper suspension arm bolt.
^ To install, tighten to 175 Nm (129 ft. lbs.).





13. Lower the axle slightly, and remove the springs.





14. Remove and discard the trailing arm nuts and trailing arm bolts.
^ To install, tighten to 175 Nm (129 ft. lbs.).





15. Disconnect the lower suspension arms from the axle housing.
16. Lower the axle housing from the vehicle.

17. CAUTION: Raise the suspension to the reference marks on the rear shock absorbers before tightening the suspension fasteners.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
^ Install new fasteners as follows:
^ Rear support brace bolts.
^ Upper support brace bolts.
^ Front support brace bolts.
^ Track-bar bolts.
^ Track-bar flag nuts.
^ Shock absorber bolts.
^ Shock absorber nuts.
^ Upper suspension arm bolts.
^ Upper suspension arm nuts.
^ Trailing arm bolts.
^ Trailing arm nuts.