REMOVAL
1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the skid plate, if equipped.
(3) Remove skid plate support crossmember, if necessary.
(4) Remove both C/V driveshafts.
(5) Mark the propeller shaft, transfer case, and pinion companion flange for installation alignment reference.
(6) Remove the front propeller shaft.
(7) Remove the axle vent tube.
(8) Use an adjustable and movable jack to support the differential housing.
(9) Remove bolts holding the axle to the engine mounts (Fig. 4).
(10) Remove bolts holding the axle to the pinion nose bracket (Fig. 5).
(11) Lower the jack and housing.
(12) Remove the axle from vehicle.
Fig. 4 Axle to Engine Mounts Mounting
1 - LEFT ENGINE MOUNT
2 - RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT
3 - FRONT AXLE
Fig. 5 Pinion Nose Bracket Mounting
1 - PINION NOSE BRACKET
2 - FRONT AXLE
INSTALLATION
(1) Raise the axle into position. Loosely install the bolts and nuts to hold the axle to the engine mounts and pinion nose bracket.
(2) Tighten all the bolts finger-tight, then tighten all bolts to 95 N*m (70 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the axle vent tube.
(4) Align the reference marks on the propeller shaft, transfer case, and pinion companion flange.
(5) Install propeller shaft.
(6) Install the C/V driveshafts.
(7) Install the skid plate support crossmember, if necessary.
(8) Install the skid plate, if necessary.
(9) Check differential lubricant level and add lubricant, if necessary. Refer to Lubricant Specifications in this group for lubricant requirements.
(10) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.