Hi all,

I'm planning on removing my rear axle and I need some help in what to do. I know I have to disconnect the brake/ebrake lines and unbolt the leaf springs where they connect to the frame. The parts I'm not certain about are disconnecting the drive shaft and supporting/moving the axle once it's out. I'm guessing I'll be using my floorjack to support/move the axle, correct? Is there anything special needed to support it? As for the driveshaft, is that bolted on?

Also, when I reinstall the axle, how do you make sure it's "centered" properly or does it fit in without any adjustments?

Thanks

 

Yep, driveshaft is bolted in with a couple of u-bolts. Then support the pumpkin (center section) with a floor jack and roll it out. It helps to have a friend as it willl be unsteady, but I have done it by myself. Once out, put the tires back on to roll it around. Install is the reverse of removal, it is self-centering.

HTH!

 

You don't have to unbolt the leaf springs where they connect to the frame.
In fact, that may be hard to do since the front bolt has a habit of rusting in place.

Jack up the car by the frame rails and remove the U bolts.
You can remove the springs seperatly if you need them out.

The housing and springs are centered by a bolt that goes through the springs. It may be severly rusted, so be prepared to deal with that.

 

It probably sounds stupid to mention this but I've heard about several people that have done it and were lucky they didn't get hurt. Be sure to support the car by the frame on jack stands, then use your floor jack to support the rear end so it can be maneuvered out. I've heard of people that without thinking supported the rear only and not the car itself.

 

Support the rear of the car by the rear framerails just forward of the rear wheel bay. Then use a floor jack to support the pumpkin while you disconnect the leafs and slide it down and back. This is safer than trying to fish it out between the springs.

 

Awesome guys! Thanks!

 

Hey you stole my pictures !!



If you have big enough jack stands you can do this:



Jack stands supporting car and rear until it is ready to come out

 

I'm going to be swapping out the rear end also. Is it necessary to have the front upon jack stands also?

 

Ascola.. no the front does not need to be jacked up. Jack up the rear as high as you can and have it supported on with jack stands on the rear frame rails.

Should go without saying however.. ALWAYS Use Jack Stands!