Q: How do you remove the rear axle assembly?A: To remove the rear axle assembly, first disconnect the negative battery cable and raise the rear of the vehicle, securely supporting it on jackstands. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, block the front wheels, and remove the rear wheels. Then, proceed to remove the brake drums or calipers and discs as needed. Drain the lubricant by removing the rear axle cover and remove the ABS sensors if the vehicle is equipped with ABS. Next, take out both rear axleshafts and free the ABS sensor wires, parking brake cables, and brake lines from their clips. Remove the four bolts attaching the brake drum backing plates or torque plates to the axle housing and wire them out of the way. Unbolt the driveshaft from the differential companion flange and move it aside. Place a floor jack under the differential, raise the rear axle slightly, and secure the coil springs or disconnect the air springs. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolts, upper suspension arm-to-rear axle housing nuts and bolts, and disconnect the height sensor if applicable. On 1998 and later models, there are four axle-locating arms plus a Watts-linkage assembly mounted above the differential connected to two lateral arms. Lower the axle housing until the coil springs are fully extended and remove them or the air springs if present. Finally, guide the axle housing out from underneath the vehicle. To install the rear axle assembly, reverse the removal steps, ensuring proper torque and attachment of all components, including suspension arms, shock absorbers, driveshaft, brake backing plates or torque plates, and axleshafts. Fill the differential with the recommended oil, install the wheels and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque.