Removal and Installation

REAR AXLE - 216RBI

REMOVAL
1. With vehicle in neutral, position vehicle on hoist.
2. Position a suitable lifting device under the axle.
3. Secure axle to device.
4. Remove brake components.
5. Remove brake hose at the axle junction block.
6. Remove vent hose from axle tube.

Fig. 1 INDICATOR SWITCH CONNECTOR:

7. If equipped with Locker differential disconnect pressure hose from differential housing and locker indicator connector (Fig. 1).
8. Remove propeller shaft.
9. Remove stabilizer bar links from axle.

Fig. 2 SHOCK ABSORBER:

10. Remove shock absorbers from axle (Fig. 2).

Fig. 3 REAR TRACK BAR:

11. Remove track bar from axle (Fig. 3).
12. Remove upper and lower suspension arms from the axle brackets.
13. Separate the axle from the vehicle.

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: The weight of the vehicle must be supported by the springs before suspension arms and track bar fasteners can be tightened. Failure to heed caution may result in damage.

1. Raise axle with lifting device and align coil springs.
2. Position upper and lower suspension arms on the axle brackets. Install nuts and bolts, do not tighten bolts at this time.
3. Install track bar and attachment bolts, do not tighten bolts at this time.
4. Install shock absorbers and tighten nuts to torque specification.
5. Install stabilizer bar links and tighten nuts to torque specification.
6. Install the wheel speed sensors, if necessary.
7. Install brake components.
8. Install brake hose to the axle junction block and bleed brakes.
9. Install axle vent hose.
10. If equipped with Locker differential connect pressure hose and Locker indicator switch.
11. Install propeller shaft.
12. Remove lifting device from axle and lower the vehicle.

Fig. 4 UPPER AND LOWER SUSPENSION ARMS:

13. Tighten upper and lower control arms nuts to torque specification (Fig. 4).
14. Tighten track bar bolts to torque specification.