Axle Beam: Service and Repair

Fig. 1 Removing backing plate to axle attaching nuts:

1. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Remove rear brake drums.
3. Disconnect brake hoses from lines.
4. Disconnect brake hoses and retainers from axle brackets.
5. Plug brake hoses to prevent loss of brake fluid.
6. Remove backing plate to axle nuts, Fig. 1.

Fig. 2 Axle attachment parts removal:

7. Remove U-bolt nuts, U-bolts and jounce stop, Fig. 2.
8. Remove rear axle.
9. Reverse procedure to install. Note that alignment pin in leaf spring must engage in hole in axle bracket, Fig. 2. Tighten U-bolt nuts so equal amounts of threaded area are exposed.