Differential Axle Housing: Service and Repair

1. Raise and support vehicle so weight is removed from front springs then disconnect propeller shaft from front axle differential.
2. Remove wheels and skid plate then loosen torsion bar height control arm bolts completely.
3. Remove strut bars then disconnect stabilizer bar from lower control arms.
4. Remove disc brake caliper assemblies and secure to frame with wire.
5. Remove lower ball joints and tie rod ends from steering knuckle.
6. Remove upper control arm pivot shaft bolts and note position of wheel alignment shims to insure proper installation.
7. Remove lower shock absorber bolts then remove nuts holding lower control arms to frame brackets. Place lower control arms under frame.
8. Remove free wheeling hub as described under ``Free Wheeling Hub, Replace'' then remove hub and rotor assembly along with upper control arm and steering knuckle.
9. Remove pitman arm using tool J-5504-1 or equivalent and idler arm using tool J-5825 or equivalent then remove steering linkage.
10. Place suitable jack under center of front axle and remove bolts holding axle support brackets to frame then lower axle assembly being careful not to damage axle shaft joints.
11. Reverse procedure to install.