Removal (Pontiac)

Raise vehicle and support at both sides of frame. Place jack under center of axle housing and lift it until it just starts to raise housing. Mark rear "U" joint and pinion flange for installation reference, then disconnect "U" joint from pinion flange. Disconnect parking brake cables at equalizer. Disconnect and cover rear brake hose at floor pan.
On coil spring vehicles, disconnect shock absorbers at lower ends and push shocks up out of way. Lower jack under housing until springs can be removed. Remove lower control arm bolts.
On leaf spring vehicles, raise vehicle and disconnect shock at lower end by removing nut. Place jack stand under frame (in front of spring) and under bumper (behind spring). Remove lower spring plate nuts, front and rear attaching bolts and springs.
On all vehicles, carefully lower axle housing and remove from vehicle.