Axle assembly (rear) — removal and installation
Removal
Note: If equipped with electronic parking brake, release the parking brake tension (see Brakes).
1. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Block the front wheels to keep the vehicle from rolling off the stands. Remove the rear wheels.
2. Position a floor jack under the rear axle differential housing.
Note: If you have two floor jacks, place one under each axle tube.
3. Remove the driveshaft (see Driveshaft(s) — removal and installation).
4. Disconnect the shock absorbers at their lower mounts (see Suspension and steering).
5. Disconnect the vent hose from the fitting on the axle housing.
6. Disconnect the stabilizer shaft end links from the frame.
7. Disconnect the brake line bracket bolts.
8. Remove the rear brake calipers, leaving the brake hoses connected and secure them out of the way (see Brakes).
9. Disconnect the parking brake cables from the brackets on the backing plates.
10. Remove the rear wheel speed sensors (see Brakes).
Leaf spring models
11. Remove the spring U-bolt nuts (see Suspension and steering). Remove the spring plates.
12. Lower the jack under the differential, then remove the rear axle assembly from under the vehicle.
Coil spring models
13. Detach the links for the electronic suspension control sensors, if equipped, from the trailing arms.
14. Detach the track bar from the rear axle (see Suspension and steering).
15. Remove the stabilizer bar (see Suspension and steering).
16. Remove the coil springs (see Suspension and steering).
17. Disconnect the upper and lower trailing arms from the axle assembly (see Suspension and steering).
18. Lower the jack under the differential, then remove the rear axle assembly from under the vehicle.
Installation
19. Installation is the reverse of removal. Tighten the U-joint clamp bolts in a crisscross pattern to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications. Tighten all suspension fasteners to the torque values listed in the Chapter Suspension and steering Specifications. Tighten the brake fasteners to the torque values listed in the Chapter Brakes Specifications.
20. Install the wheels and lug nuts, then lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque listed in the Tune-up and routine maintenance Specifications.