Front Axle Replacement RWD-C3500HD

Tools Required

J 6627-A Wheel Stud and Tie Rod Remover

1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle with suitable safety stands. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
3. Support the axle with a floor jack in order to eliminate any load on the springs.
4. Remove the steering arm, the knuckle, and the spindle. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement .



5. Remove the nut and the washer.
6. Remove the shock absorber from the axle. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .



7. Remove the nut and the washer.
8. Remove the stabilizer link from the stabilizer shaft. Using the J 6627-A , separate the stabilizer shaft from the stabilizer link.
9. Remove the nut, the retainer, and the insulator.
10. Remove the stabilizer link from the axle. Pull the link free from the axle. Do not lose the other insulator and retainer.



11. Remove the nuts, the washers, and the U-bolts.
12. Remove the spacer and the spring spacer.
13. Remove the leaf spring from the axle. Refer to Leaf Springs Replacement .
14. Remove the steering damper from the axle. Refer to Steering Linkage Shock Absorber Replacement in Steering Linkage.
15. Lower the floor jack and pull the axle clear of the vehicle.

1. Line up the axle under the leaf springs.
2. Using a floor jack, raise the axle into position.
3. Install the steering damper to the axle. Refer to Steering Linkage Shock Absorber Replacement in Steering Linkage.



4. Install the axle to the leaf springs.



5. Install the stabilizer link to the axle.
6. Install the link into the hole on the spring spacer and the axle.




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.

7. Install the insulator, the retainer, and the nut.

Tighten
Tighten the nut until the distance between each retainer is 38.0 mm (1.5 in).




8. Install the stabilizer link to the stabilizer shaft.
9. Install the washer and the nut.

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 68 N·m (50 lb ft).




10. Install the shock absorber to the axle.
11. Install the washer and the nut.

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 185 N·m (136 lb ft).

12. Install the steering arm, the knuckle, and the spindle. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement .
13. Adjust the wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearing Adjustment .
14. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
15. Lower the vehicle.
16. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.