Jeep Cherokee

 Service Manual

Differential and driveline » 8 1/4 Rear axle » Removal and installation
Rear axle

REMOVAL

(1) Raise and support the vehicle.

(2) Position a suitable lifting device under the axle.

(3) Secure axle to device.

(4) Remove the wheels and tires.

(5) Secure brake drums to the axle shaft.

(6) Disconnect the brake hose at the axle junction block. Do not disconnect the brake hydraulic lines at the wheel cylinders. Refer to Group 5, Brakes, for proper procedures.

(7) Disconnect the parking brake cables and cable brackets.

(8) Disconnect the vent hose from the axle tube.

(9) Mark the propeller shaft and yoke for installation alignment reference.

(10) Remove propeller shaft.

(11) Disconnect shock absorbers from axle.

(12) Remove the stabilizer links.

(13) Remove the spring clamps and spring brackets.

Refer to Group 2, Suspension, for proper procedures.

(14) Separate the axle from the vehicle.

INSTALLATION

(1) Raise the axle with lifting device and align to the leaf spring centering bolts.

(2) Install the spring clamps and spring brackets.

Refer to Group 2, Suspension, for proper procedures.

(3) Install shock absorbers and tighten nuts to 60 N·m (44 ft. lbs.) torque.

(4) Install the stabilizer links. Tighten sway bar links to 74 N·m (55 ft. lbs.).

(5) Connect the parking brake cables and cable brackets.

(6) Install the brake drums. Refer to Group 5, Brakes, for proper procedures.

(7) Connect the brake hose to the axle junction block. Refer to Group 5, Brakes, for proper procedures.

(8) Install axle vent hose.

(9) Align propeller shaft and pinion yoke reference marks. Install universal joint straps and bolts.

Tighten to 19 N·m (14 ft. lbs.) torque.

(10) Install the wheels and tires.

(11) Add gear lubricant, if necessary. Refer to Lubricant Specifications in this section for lubricant requirements.

(12) Remove lifting device from axle and lower the vehicle.

Rear axle

Axle shaft

Axle seal and bearing

Pinion seal

Differential

Differential side bearings

Ring gear

Pinion gear