Rear Axle Replacement 11 in. Ring Gear

1. Raise the vehicle and place jack stands under the frame side rails for support.
2. Drain the lubricant from the axle housing.
3. Disconnect the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
4. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
5. Remove the hub and drum assembly or the hub and rotor assembly. Refer to Hub and Drum Assembly Replacement or Hub and Rotor Assembly Replacement .
6. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the lever and at the brake flange plate. Refer to:
7. Remove the hydraulic brake pipes from the connectors. Refer to:
8. Rear Brake Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
9. Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle brackets.
10. Disconnect the vent hose from the axle vent fitting. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement .
11. Remove the height-sensing and brake proportioning valve linkage (if equipped).
12. Support the axle assembly with a hydraulic floor jack.
13. Remove the nuts and washers from the U-bolts.
14. Remove the U-bolts, spring plates, and spacers from the axle assembly.
15. Lower the axle assembly.

1. Place the axle assembly under the vehicle.
2. Align the axle assembly with the springs.
3. Connect the spacers, spring plates, and U-bolts to the axle assembly.
4. Raise the axle assembly.
5. Install the washers and nuts to the U-bolts.

•	Firmly thread the nuts.

•	Adjust the alignment of the axle assembly.

6. Install the height-sensing and brake proportioning valve linkage (if equipped).
7. Connect the vent hose to the axle vent fitting. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement .
8. Connect the shock absorbers to the axle brackets.
9. Connect the hydraulic brake pipes to the connectors. Refer to:

•	Front Brake Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.

•	Rear Brake Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.

10. Connect the parking brake cable to the lever and the brake flange plate. Refer to:
11. Park Brake Cable Replacement in Parking Brake.
12. Install the hub and drum assembly or the hub and rotor assembly. Refer to Hub and Drum Assembly Replacement or Hub and Rotor Assembly Replacement .
13. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
14. Connect the propeller shaft. Refer to Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

15. Tighten all fasteners. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
16. Fill the axle assembly with axle lubricant to the filler plug hole level. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
17. Bleed the brake system, check brake operation and adjust if necessary. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
18. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle.
19. Check axle operation.
20. Check for fluid leaks.
21. Road test the vehicle.

Rear Axle Replacement 10 1/2 in. Ring Gear

1. Raise the vehicle and place jack stands under the frame side rails for support.
2. Drain the lubricant from the axle housing.
3. Remove the propeller shaft. Refer to Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
4. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
5. Remove the brake drum or hub and drum assembly. Refer to Hub and Drum Assembly Replacement .
6. Disconnect the parking brake cable from the lever and at the brake flange plate. Refer to:
7. Park Brake Cable Replacement in Parking Brake.
8. Remove the hydraulic brake pipes from the connectors. Refer to:

•	Front Brake Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.

•	Rear Brake Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.

9. Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle brackets. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.



10. Disconnect the vent hose from the axle vent fitting. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement .
11. Disconnect the height-sensing and brake proportioning valve linkage (if equipped).
12. Support the assembly with a hydraulic floor jack.
13. Remove the nuts and washers from the U-bolts.
14. Remove the U-bolts, spring plates, and spacers from the axle assembly.
15. Lower the jack and the axle assembly.

1. Install the axle assembly under the vehicle.
2. Align the axle assembly with the springs.
3. Install the spacers, spring plates, and U-bolts to the axle assembly.
4. Raise the axle assembly.
5. Install the washers and nuts to the U-bolts.

5.1.	Adjust the alignment of the axle.

5.2.	Firmly thread on the nuts.

6. Connect the height-sensing and brake proportioning valve linkage (if equipped).



7. Connect the vent hose to the axle fitting. Refer to Vent Hose Replacement .
8. Connect the shock absorbers to the axle brackets. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement in Rear Suspension.
9. Connect the hydraulic brake pipes to the connectors. Refer to:

•	Front Brake Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.

•	Rear Brake Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.

10. Connect the parking brake cable to the lever and the brake flange plate. Refer to:
11. Park Brake Cable Replacement in Parking Brake.
12. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
13. Install the hub and drum assembly. Refer to Hub and Drum Assembly Replacement .
14. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Three-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

15. Tighten all fasteners. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .
16. Fill the axle assembly with axle lubricant to the level of the filler plug hole. Refer to Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations
17. Bleed the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
18. Check the operation of the axle and brakes. Adjust as necessary.

18.1.

Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle.

18.2.

Check for fluid leaks.

18.3.

Road test the vehicle.