GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2006 🢒 TopKick C-Series (Conventional) C6/C7/C8 🢒 Driveline/Axle 🢒 Front Drive Axle 🢒 Front Axle Housing Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Set the parking brake. Block the rear wheels.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle under the frame rails. Ensure that the vehicle front wheels are off the floor. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  3. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  4. Remove the front propeller shaft. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement .
  5. Remove the front brake calipers from the front axle. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement .
  6. Remove the relay rod from the front axle steering knuckle. Refer to Relay Rod Replacement .
  7. Remove the front shock absorbers from the lower shock bracket. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  8. Support the axle using a hydraulic transmission dolly with adapter in order to properly handle the axle housing.
  9. Fasten a chain over the top of the housing and to both sides of the dolly.

    10. Object Number: 1471650 Size: SH
  10. Remove the following front spring components on both sides of the front axle housing:
    11. • Nuts (7)
    • Washers (6)
    • Leaf spring anchor plate (5)
    • U-Bolts (1)
    • Insulator  (2)
  11. Remove the front axle housing (4) from the front suspension (3).
  12. Drain the front axle lubricant. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  13. Remove the differential carrier assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement .
  14. Inspect the front axle housing for the following conditions:
    15. • Cracked welds
    • Damaged flange

Installation Procedure
  1. Install the carrier assembly. Refer to Differential Replacement .
  2. Fasten a chain over the top of the housing and to both sides of the dolly.
  3. Support the axle using a hydraulic transmission dolly with adapter in order to properly handle the axle housing.

    4. Object Number: 1471650 Size: SH
  4. Install the front axle housing (4) to the front suspension (3).

    5. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: Always replace the U-bolts when loosened or removed.

  5. Install the following front spring components on both sides of the axle housing:
    6. • New U-Bolts (1)
    • Insulator  (2)
    • Spring retaining bracket (9)
    • Spacer (8)
    • Front axle (4)
    • Leaf spring anchor plate (5)
    • Washer (6)
    • Nuts (7)

    Tighten
    Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 330 N·m (243 lb ft).

  6. Install the relay rod to the front axle steering knuckle. Refer to Relay Rod Replacement .
  7. Install the front shock absorbers to the lower shock bracket. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  8. Install the front brake calipers to the front axle. Refer to Front Brake Caliper Replacement .
  9. Install the front propeller shaft to the front axle. Refer to Front Propeller Shaft Replacement .
  10. Install the front tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  11. Install the lubricant in to the front axle. Refer to Front Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  12. Lower the vehicle.