Removal & Installation
- Raise and support vehicle. Drain gear oil. Remove wheels and brake drums. Disconnect brakelines from wheel cylinders. Remove rear axle shafts. See REAR AXLE & BEARING .
- Disconnect metal brakeline from flexible hose and "E" clip. Remove brakelines from axle housing. Remove breather hose from axle housing. Mark rear drive shaft for reinstallation reference. Remove rear drive shaft.
- Support center of rear axle housing. Remove ball joint bracket from differential carrier. Disconnect wheel speed sensor (if equipped). Remove differential carrier assembly. See REAR CARRIER ASSEMBLY . Remove rear mount nuts from trailing rods. DO NOT remove bolts.
- Remove shock absorber lower mount bolts. Lower differential housing until suspension coil spring tension is relieved. Remove trailing rod mount bolts. Remove coil springs. Lower rear axle housing. To install, reverse removal procedure.