GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Note: Observe and accurately mark the positions of all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles prior to disassembly. These components include the propeller shaft, drive axles, pinion flanges, output shafts, etc. Reassemble all components in the exact relationship the components had to each other during removal. Follow specifications and torque values. Follow any measurements made prior to disassembly.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Place jack or utility stands at the front end of the vehicle.
  3. Support the rear axle with jack or utility stands.
  4. Remove the wheel and tire assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  5. Remove the stabilizer shaft from the vehicle, if equipped. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement.
  6. For vehicles with RPO JL4, disconnect the electrical connector from the rear wheel speed sensor.
  7. Note: It is not necessary to disconnect the brake hose from the caliper. Support the brake calipers as necessary and set aside.

  8. Remove the brake calipers from the rear axle. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement.
  9. Remove the propeller shaft from the vehicle.
  10. • For vehicles equipped with the one piece propeller shaft, refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement.
    • For vehicles equipped with the two piece propeller shaft, refer to Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement.
  11. Remove the park brake cables the rear springs and rear axle housing.
  12. • For the left side, refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Left Side.
    • For the right side, refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Right Side.
  13. Drain the lubricant from rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement.
  14. Remove the rear axle vent hose from the axle.
  15. Remove the lower shock absorber bolt from the rear axle. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement.
  16. Remove the rear spring U-bolts, the rear spring anchor plates and the rear spring spacers from the vehicle. Refer to Leaf Spring Replacement.
  17. Remove the rear axle from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

Note: Observe and accurately mark the positions of all driveline components relative to the propeller shaft and axles prior to disassembly. These components include the propeller shaft, drive axles, pinion flanges, output shafts, etc. Reassemble all components in the exact relationship the components had to each other during removal. Follow specifications and torque values. Follow any measurements made prior to disassembly.

  1. Support the rear axle with jack or utility stands.
  2. Install the rear axle to the vehicle.
  3. Install the rear spring U-bolts, the rear spring anchor plates and the rear spring spacers to the vehicle. Refer to Leaf Spring Replacement.
  4. Install the lower shock absorber bolt to the rear axle. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement.
  5. Install the rear axle vent hose to the rear axle.
  6. Install the park brake cables.
  7. • For the left side, refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Left Side.
    • For the right side, refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Right Side.
  8. Install the rear propeller shaft.
  9. • For vehicles equipped with the one piece propeller shaft, refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement.
    • For vehicles equipped with the two piece propeller shaft, refer to Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement.
  10. Install the brake calipers. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement.
  11. For vehicles with RPO JL4, connect the electrical connector to the rear wheel speed sensor.
  12. Install the wheel and tire assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  13. Install the rear stabilizer shaft, if equipped. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement
  14. Fill the rear axle with the proper axle lubricant. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities and Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations.
  15. Remove the jack or utility stands.
  16. Lower the vehicle.