Front Axle - 186FBI

REMOVAL
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Position a suitable lifting device under the axle.
3. Secure axle to lift.
4. Remove the wheels and tires.
5. Remove the brake calipers and rotors from the axle.
6. Disconnect the wheel sensor wiring harness from the vehicle wiring harness.
7. Disconnect the vent hose from the axle shaft tube.
8. Mark propeller shaft and yoke/pinion flange for installation alignment reference.
9. Remove propeller shaft.
10. Disconnect stabilizer bar links at the axle.
11. Disconnect shock absorbers from axle brackets.
12. Disconnect track bar.
13. Disconnect the tie rod and drag link from the steering knuckle.
14. Disconnect the steering damper from the axle bracket.
15. Disconnect the upper and lower suspension arms from the axle brackets.
16. Lower the lifting device enough to remove the axle. The coil springs will drop with the axle.
17. Remove the coil springs from the axle.

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: The weight of the vehicle must be supported by the springs before suspension arms and track bar fasteners can be tightened. If springs are not at their normal ride position, ride height and handling could be affected.

1. Install the springs and retainer clips. Tighten the retainer bolts to 21 Nm (16 ft. lbs.).
2. Support the axle on a lifting device and position axle under the vehicle.
3. Raise the axle and align it with the spring pads.
4. Position the upper and lower suspension arms in the axle brackets. Loosely install bolts and nuts to hold suspension arms to the axle brackets.
5. Install vent hose to the axle shaft tube.
6. Install track bar in the axle bracket and install the bolt loosely.
7. Install shock absorbers and tighten the bolts to 23 Nm (17 ft. lbs.).
8. Install stabilizer bar links to the axle brackets and tighten the nuts to 95 Nm (70 ft. lbs.).
9. Install drag link and tie rod to the steering knuckles.
10. Install steering damper to the axle bracket and tighten the nut to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.).
11. Install the brake rotors and calipers.
12. Connect the wheel speed sensor wiring harness to the vehicle wiring harness.
13. Align the previously made marks on the propeller shaft and the yoke/pinion flange.
14. Install propeller shaft to pinion flange bolts if equipped.
15. Install propeller shaft to yoke straps and bolts, if equipped.
16. Check and fill axle lubricant.
17. Install the wheel and tire assemblies.
18. Remove the lifting device from the axle and lower the vehicle.
19. Tighten the upper suspension arm nuts to 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.). Tighten the lower suspension arm nuts to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs.).
20. Tighten the track bar bolt at the axle bracket to 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.).
21. Check the front wheel alignment.