Proper way to replace a rear axle?

[CList_z71]

This might be a stupid question, but I am wondering how you replace a rear axle using only jacks and jackstands.

Here's how I think it works:

Raise vehicle and place Jackstands on Cinderblocks underneath the frame infront of the rear axle.

Unbolt shocks and u-bolts to drop the rear axle. With the tires and wheels still mounted, roll the original one out of the way.

Take the wheels and tires, mount them to the new one, roll it in place and bolt it up.

Any corrections?

[TigerEyz3]

Don't forget about the axle yoke...

[gr8twhite]

Brake lines, emergency brake cables, driveshaft at u-joint and breather line (if it has one)....

I also recommend getting jackstands that can reach instead of using cinder blocks. Cinder blocks are not very strong when loaded on the sides, they may crush at just the wrong moment...

[Redliner Raw]

I sure as hell would never use cinder blocks - too brittle.

[CList_z71]

So no cinderblocks.. Anything else I could use if the stands don't reach?

[Dale Gribble]

Say hello to your best friend....
http://www.skillcraft.co.za/images/bernzomatic_torch.jpg

One tank was plenty for removing mine with 16 years worth of rust on the bolts.

[Redliner Raw]

So no cinderblocks.. Anything else I could use if the stands don't reach?

I use blocks of wood. Big ones. like 6x8 post cutoffs. or pieces of heavy steel channel, but they only net me a couple of inches. I used my dad's a-frame, chained onto the hitch or back crossmember when the box is off.

[Dale Gribble]

So no cinderblocks.. Anything else I could use if the stands don't reach?

Sturdy wood blocks under the stands would be much safer than cinder blocks or extending the stands to their limits.

[paintdrying]

I leave truck on the ground a wiggle under the truck with a wrench and six foot cheater bar and break everything free, including lug nuts.
I clamp the rubber brake line, and loosen the brake lines on both sides. I took a grinder to the e brake cables, then just buy new ones.
After everything is good and loose I jack up the truck, place it on stands, then I find something the same size as myself, like a steel fifty-five gallon drum and I figure if the truck falls the drum will stop me from being crushed.
If you ever seen in movies where the car slowly creeks then falls just in time for you to get away. That could not be farther from the truth. That truck can fall in a fraction of a second with deadly consequences.

[cancritter]

plzzzzz dont use cinderblocks

[CList_z71]

I leave truck on the ground a wiggle under the truck with a wrench and six foot cheater bar and break everything free, including lug nuts.
I clamp the rubber brake line, and loosen the brake lines on both sides. I took a grinder to the e brake cables, then just buy new ones.
After everything is good and loose I jack up the truck, place it on stands, then I find something the same size as myself, like a steel fifty-five gallon drum and I figure if the truck falls the drum will stop me from being crushed.
If you ever seen in movies where the car slowly creeks then falls just in time for you to get away. That could not be farther from the truth. That truck can fall in a fraction of a second with deadly consequences.

Thanks for the tips. It looks pretty straightforward to me now. I found some articles online that pretty much said that it's not something I'd ever need to pay someone else to do.


plzzzzz dont use cinderblocks

Yeah, I don't plan on it anymore.....

[cancritter]

good man...had my first car fall on me..thier no fun..only reason lm here is because l listened to someone to put the tire under the frame..at 16 l got lucky with only a few bruises and a life lesson that has served me well through the years....

[CList_z71]

Oh wow, that doesn't sound fun at all. Lucky you're still here. I've heard of one or two unlucky stories with falling lowriders. I think I'm going to double up on all the jackstands... hehe.

[Veikra]

x45 Never use cinder blocks,they crumble while wood will compress a lot. Especially with jackstand putting pressure points on them. And never ever trust any hydraulic stuff. I usually use several jacks plus secure everything with jackstands and tires under the frame. It's overkill yes, but my life isnt.

I always check to see what would happen if any device craps out, it's good practice.

[cancritter]

just remember folks all the wieght put on a floor jack is being held by a little rubber O ring in the hydraulics...jackstands are your friends,,use them