Axle, Replace

REMOVAL
1. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Install half shaft boot protectors J-28712 onto boots.
3. Remove half shaft to axle flange bolts and secure half shaft to vehicle underbody.
4. Insert wire through half shaft flange bolt holes, then compress half shaft and wrap wire between boots to prevent half shaft from separating.
5. Mark propeller shaft and axle yoke for reference during reassembly and remove propeller shaft.
6. Support axle assembly using suitable jack.
7. On models equipped with Select Drive System, remove brace rod and shift motor shield.
8. On all models, remove axle mounting bolts. On models less Select Drive System, the axle is secured to the engine block with five bolts. On models with Select Drive System, the axle is secured to the engine block by five bolts on the lefthand side and one bolt on the righthand side.
9. On models equipped with Select Drive System, disconnect vacuum hose from axle shift motor, then partially lower axle assembly and disconnect vent hose.
10. On all models, lower axle assembly to allow access to vent hose and remove hose.
11. Remove axle assembly from vehicle. Do not apply any load or weight on the hub assembly whenever the half shafts are not securely attached to the axle shaft flanges.
Installation
1. Support axle assembly on suitable jack and position assembly under vehicle.
2. Raise axle assembly slightly and install vent hose.
3. Continue raising axle assembly until properly positioned and install axle mounting bolts. Torque bolts to 50 ft-lbs.
4. Connect propeller shaft to axle yoke. Ensure shaft and yoke are aligned.
5. Remove wire used to prevent half shafts from separating, then install half shaft to axle flange bolts and torque to 45 ft-lbs.
6. On models equipped with Select Drive System, connect vacuum harness on axle shift motor shield.
7. On all models, remove half shaft boot protectors.
8. On models equipped with Select Drive, connect brace rod to axle.