Axle Assembly: Removal

All vehicles 

1. Drain the rear differential fluid. Refer to: Differential Draining and Filling .
2. Remove the rear halfshafts. Refer to: Rear Halfshaft .
3. Remove the rear driveshaft. Refer to: Rear Driveshaft .
4. Disconnect and position the axle assembly vent hose aside.

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5. Using the transmission jack support the rear axle assembly. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

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6. Remove and discard the rear axle housing support front bolts.

   Torque: 129 lb.ft (175 Nm)

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   Vehicles equipped with 8.1-Inch Ring Gear 

7. Remove and discard the rear axle housing support rear bolt.

   Torque: 148 lb.ft (200 Nm)

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   Vehicles equipped with 8.8-Inch Ring Gear 

8. Remove and discard the rear axle housing support rear bolts.

   Torque: 148 lb.ft (200 Nm)

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   All vehicles 

9. Gently down the transmission jack and remove the rear axle assembly. Use the General Equipment: Transmission Jack

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