Removal Procedure
- Raise the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING & JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
- Support the rear axle housing in order to relieve tension on the leaf springs.
- Remove the rear tires and wheels assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
- Remove the rear brake drums (if equipped). Refer to DRUM BRAKE SHOE in Drum Brakes.
- Remove the rear brake rotors (if equipped). Refer to BRAKE ROTOR -- REAR in Disc Brakes.
- Remove the rear brake hose mounting bracket bolt at the axle housing. Refer to BRAKE HOSE -- REAR in Hydraulic Brakes.
- Remove the rear park brake cables. Refer to PARK BRAKE CABLE -- REAR RWD PICKUPS or PARK BRAKE CABLE -- REAR 4WD PICKUPS AND UTILITIES in Park Brake.
- Remove right rear park brake cable from the cable guide on the rear axle.
- Remove the rear backing plates. Refer to DISC BRAKE BACKING PLATE -- REAR in Drum Brakes.
- Remove rear axle vibration dampener (if equipped). Refer to Axle Vibration Damper Replacement .
- Disconnect the lower mount of the shock absorber.
Refer to SHOCK ABSORBER in Rear Suspension.
Important: Do not remove propeller shaft from the slip yoke.
- Remove the propeller shaft attached to the rear drive axle. Refer to the appropriate procedure in Propeller Shaft:
- Secure the propeller shaft out of the way in order not put stress on the universal joints.
- Remove the rear leaf springs. Refer to LEAF SPRING
in Rear Suspension.
Important: Do not remove vent hose attached to frame.
- Disconnect the vent hose from the rear axle housing.
- Lower the axle from the vehicle.