Rear Axle Assembly: Notes
WARNING:
When removing rear axle assembly, do not use a twin-post type hoist. The swing arc tendency of the rear axle assembly when certain fasteners are removed may cause it to slip from the hoist, which may cause personal injury. Perform operation on floor, if necessary.
- Raise vehicle and suitably support.
- Support rear axle.
- Remove wheel and brake drum.
- Remove parking brake cable from hook connection.
- Remove brakeline brackets from frame.
- Remove shock lower attaching bolts and nuts at axle. Disconnect shocks from axle.
- Remove track bar attaching nut and bolt at axle. Disconnect track bar.
- Lower rear axle. Remove coil springs and insulators.
- Remove brakelines from control arm attachments.
- Remove parking brake cable from rear axle attachments.
- Remove hub attaching bolts. Remove hub and bearing assembly. Move backing plate out of way.
- Remove control arm bracket-to-underbody attaching bolts (4 per side), and lower axle down to bench. This may require two people to steady axle.
- Remove control arm brackets from control arms.
NOTE:
Do not hammer on brake drum, as damage to the bearing could result.
CAUTION:
Do not suspend rear axle by brake hoses. Damage to hoses could result.