Rear Suspension Assembly: Removal

Remove shock absorber upper retaining bolts. Raise and support vehicle. Remove the wheel assemblies.
On 4WD models, drive spring pins out of axle drive shaft ends. Disconnect outer CV joint from spindle by pushing inner CV joint inward and brake drum downward. Pull drive shaft out of differential. Repeat for opposite drive shaft.
On all models, disconnect exhaust pipe at forward flange. Remove exhaust system from vehicle. Remove all exhaust shrouding which interferes with access to rear suspension.
Disconnect brake hoses at inner arm brackets and plug brake lines. On 2WD models, support crossmember at center with floor jack. Remove crossmember-to-body bolts and slowly lower rear suspension assembly to floor.
On 4WD models, disconnect drive shaft from differential. Slowly pull drive shaft out of transmission. Plug hole in transmission to prevent oil spillage. Support differential with floor jack, remove differential-to-body bolts. Remove differential from vehicle.