
²Axle housing or differential case is replaced
²Pinion select shim pack is unknown
²Ring and pinion gears are replaced
Measurements are done with pinion cups and pin-
ion bearings installed in housing. Take measure-
ments with Pinion Gauge Set 6774, Pinion Block
6733 and Dial Indicator C-3339 (Fig. 44).
(1) Install the pinion front bearing cup with In-
staller D-144 and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 45).(2) Install the bearing cup with Installer D-146
and Driver Handle C-4171 (Fig. 46). Ensure cup is
correctly seated.
(3) Assemble Pinion Gauge Set, Pinion Block and
pinion bearings. Install assembly into differential
pinion gear bore and hand tighten cone (Fig. 47).
(4) Place Arbor Disc 6732 on Arbor D-115-3 and po-
sition in the bearing cradles (Fig. 48). Install differ-
ential bearing caps on Arbor Discs and tighten caps
snug only.
Arbor Discs have different steps to fit other
axle sizes. Pick correct size step for axle being
serviced.
(5) Firmly place Scooter Block and Dial Indicator
on pinion height block tool and zero the dial indicator
pointer.
(6) Slide the Scooter Block across the arbor while
Fig. 43 Differential Case End Play Measurement
Fig. 44 Pinion Gear Depth Gauge Tools
Fig. 45 Pinion Front Bearing Cup Installation
Fig. 46 Pinion Rear Bearing Cup Installation
JFRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLE 2 - 41

observing indicator (Fig. 49). Record the longest
travel distance, whether inward (-) or outward (+),
indicated by the pointer.The plunger travel, plus or minus the vari-
ance etched in the gear, is the required thick-
ness for the depth shims.
(7) Measure the thickness of each depth shim with
a micrometer. Combine the shims necessary for total
required shim pack thickness.Include oil slinger
or baffle thickness with the total shim pack
thickness.
(8) Remove the measurement tools from the differ-
ential housing.
PINION GEAR ASSEMBLY/INSTALLATION
(1) Remove rear pinion bearing cup with Remover
D-149 and Handle C-4171. Place shims (and baffle if
equipped) in the pinion gear rear bearing bore. In-
stall the bearing cup with Installer D-146 and Driver
Handle C-4171. Ensure cup is correctly seated.
(3) Install rear bearing and oil slinger on pinion
gear with Installer W-262 until completely seated
(Fig. 50).
(4) Assemble preload shims onto pinion shaft.
(5) Install pinion front bearing cone into cup and
end yoke thrust washer.
(6) Apply a light coat of gear lubricant on lip of
new pinion seal. Install seal with Installer D-163 and
Handle C-4171 (Fig. 51).
(7) Install pinion gear into differential housing.
(9) Install yoke with Installer W-162-D and
Wrench C-3281 (Fig. 52).
(10) Install the yoke washer andold nuton the
pinion gear. Use Flange Wrench C-3281 to retain the
yoke (Fig. 53). Tighten nut to 216-352 Nzm (160-260
ft.lbs.) torque.
Fig. 47 Pinion Height Block
Fig. 48 Gauge Tools In Housing
Fig. 49 Pinion Depth Measurement
Fig. 50 Pinion Rear Bearing Installation
2 - 42 FRONT SUSPENSION AND AXLEJ

REAR SUSPENSION AND AXLES
CONTENTS
page page
8 1/4 AXLE............................ 30
AXLE NOISE/VIBRATION DIAGNOSIS......... 9
AXLE SPECIFICATIONS................... 51
GENERAL INFORMATION.................. 1
MODEL 35 AXLE........................ 13TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS................ 51
TRAC-LOK DIFFERENTIAL................. 45
XJ SUSPENSION......................... 3
YJ SUSPENSION......................... 6
GENERAL INFORMATION
SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
The Jeep rear suspension is comprised of;
²Drive axle
²Leaf springs
²Dual-action shock absorbers
²Track bar (YJ vehicles)
²Stabilizer bar (XJ vehicles)
²Jounce bumpers
The rear suspension design uses semi-elliptic
multi-leaf springs and a solid drive axle. The forward
end of the springs are mounted to the frame rail
hangers through rubber bushings. The bushings iso-
late road noise as the springs move. The rearward
end of the springs are attached to the frame by the
use of shackles. Again the spring and shackles use
rubber bushings to isolate road noise. The shackles
allow the springs to change their length as the vehi-
cle moves over various road conditions. The spring
and axle travel is limited through the use of bumpers
mounted on frame.
All suspension components that use bushings
should be tightened with the vehicle at normal ride
height. If the springs are not at normal ride position,
vehicle ride comfort could be affected. Rubber bush-
ings must never be lubricated.
The springs are attached to the axle pads with U-
bolts and plates. The springs use a center bolt that
holds the spring leafs in position. The bolt is also
used to locate the spring assembly to the axle pad.
Ride control is accomplished through the use of du-
al-action shock absorbers. The shocks dampen the
jounce and rebound as the vehicle travels over vari-
ous road conditions. The top of shock absorbers are
bolted to the frame bracket. The bottom of the shocks
are bolted to the axle bracket.
The stabilizer bar on the XJ is used to minimize
vehicle rear sway during turns. The bar helps the ve-
hicle maintain a flat attitude to the road surface. The
bar extends across the underside of the chassis and
connects to the frame rails. The links are connectedto the axle brackets. All mounting points of the sta-
bilizer bar are isolated by bushings.
The track bar on the YJ is used to minimize rear
axle side-to-side movement. The track bar is attached
to the frame rail bracket and axle bracket and is iso-
lated with bushings.
The jounce bumpers are used to limit the jounce
and rebound travel of the suspension.
AXLES
The Model 35 axle is standard for XJ and YJ vehi-
cles. The 8 1/4 axle is available in XJ vehicles with-
out ABS brakes.
The Model 35 and 8 1/4 axle housings has a cast
iron center section. Two steel axle shaft tubes are
pressed into the differential housing and welded.
It is not necessary to remove the axle from the ve-
hicle for service. A removable differential cover is
provided for routine vehicle service. If the differential
housing is damaged, the complete axle assembly can
be removed.
For complete drive axle assembly removal and in-
stallation refer to Drive Axle Assembly Replacement
in this Group.
IDENTIFICATION
Model 35 axle has the assembly part number and
gear ratio listed on a tag. The tag is attached to the left
side of the housing cover (Fig. 1). Build date identifica-
tion codes on axles are stamped on the axle shaft tube
cover side. The Model 35 axle has a flat housing cover
gasket flange at the outer edge (Fig. 1).
The 8 1/4 axle has the build date code and gear ra-
tio tags attached to the housing cover (Fig. 2). The
housing cover gasket has a rolled gasket flange at
the outer edge (Fig. 2).
²The Model 35 axle has shaft tubes that are 2.625
inch (66.67 mm) in diameter.
²The 8 1/4 axle has axle shaft tubes that are 3.0-
inch (76.2 mm) in diameter.
JREAR SUSPENSION AND AXLES 3 - 1

XJ SUSPENSION
INDEX
page page
Leaf Spring............................... 4
Leaf Spring Eye Bushing Replacement.......... 5
Shock Absorber........................... 4Spring and Shock Diagnosis.................. 3
Stabilizer Bar............................. 5
SPRING AND SHOCK DIAGNOSIS
A noise from the shock absorber or spring bushings
can be produced if movement between the rubber
bushings and the metal occurs. This noise can usu-
ally be stopped by tightening the nuts. If the noise
persists, inspect for damaged and worn bushings. Re-
pair as necessary.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust-
able. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in
an upright position and force the piston into and out
of the cylinder four or five times. The action through-
out each stroke should be smooth and even.
The spring eye and shock absorber bushings do not
require any type of lubrication.Do not attempt to
stop spring bushing noise by lubricating them.Grease and mineral oil-base lubricants will de-
teriorate the bushing rubber.
If the vehicle is used for severe, off-road operation,
the springs should be examined regularly. Check for
broken and shifted components.
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at
normal height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected
and premature bushing wear may occur. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated.
SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER DIAGNOSIS
JREAR SUSPENSION AND AXLES 3 - 3

YJ SUSPENSION
INDEX
page page
Leaf Spring............................... 7
Leaf Spring Eye Bushing Replacement.......... 7
Shock Absorber........................... 7Spring and Shock Diagnosis.................. 6
Track Bar................................ 8
SPRING AND SHOCK DIAGNOSIS
A noise from the shock absorber or spring bushings
can be produced if movement between the rubber
bushings and the metal occurs. This noise can usu-
ally be stopped by tightening the nuts. If the noise
persists, inspect for damaged and worn bushings. Re-
pair as necessary.
The shock absorbers are not refillable or adjust-
able. If a malfunction occurs, the shock absorber
must be replaced. To test a shock absorber, hold it in
an upright position and force the piston into and out
of the cylinder four or five times. The action through-
out each stroke should be smooth and even.
The spring eye and shock absorber bushings do not
require any type of lubrication.Do not attempt tostop spring bushing noise by lubricating them.
Grease and mineral oil-base lubricants will de-
teriorate the bushing rubber.
If the vehicle is used for severe, off-road operation,
the springs should be examined regularly. Check for
broken and shifted components.
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at
normal height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected
and premature bushing wear may occur. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated.
SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER DIAGNOSIS
3 - 6 REAR SUSPENSION AND AXLESJ

CAUTION: Overfilling the differential can result in
lubricant foaming and overheating.
Trac-Lok Differentials; A container of Trac-Lok lu-
bricant (friction modifier) should be added after re-
pair service or a lubricant change.
(9) Install the fill hole plug and lower the vehicle.
LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL vehicles should
be road tested by making 10 to 12 slow figure-eight
turns. This maneuver will pump the lubricant
through the clutch discs to eliminate a possible chat-
ter noise complaint.
DRIVE AXLE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENTÐXJ
VEHICLES
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle and position support stands
under the frame rails slightly in front the springs.
(2) Remove the rear wheels.
(3) Mark the drive shaft yoke and axle pinion yoke
for alignment reference. Disconnect the drive shaft
from the axle.
(4) Disconnect the axle vent hose.
(5) Disconnect the parking brake cables at the
equalizer or backing plate.
(6) Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle
brackets.
(7) Disconnect the brake hose at the axle junction
block.Do not disconnect the wheel cylinder tub-
ing fittings.
(8) If equipped, disconnect ABS wiring connections
at the axle.(9) Support the axle with a hydraulic jack under
the differential.
(10) Remove the spring U-bolts from the plate
brackets.
(11) Lower the jack enough to remove the axle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at
normal height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected
and premature bushing wear may occur. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated.
(1) Support the axle on a hydraulic jack under the
differential. Position the axle under the vehicle.
(2) Raise the axle and align the spring center bolts
with the locating holes in the axle pads and plate
brackets.
(3) Install the spring U-bolts through the plate
brackets and tighten to 70 Nzm (52 ft. lbs.) torque.
(4) Install ABS wiring connections (if equipped) at
the axle.
(5) Connect the brake hose at the axle junction
block.
(6) Install the shock absorbers to the axle brackets
and tighten to 62 Nzm (46 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Connect the parking brake cables at the equal-
izer or backing plate.
(8) Connect the vent hose to the tube fitting.
(9) Align the reference marks and connect the
drive shaft to the axle yoke. Tighten the U-joint
clamp bolts to 19 Nzm (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(10) Check differential lubricant and add if neces-
sary.
(11) Install the wheel and tire.
(12) Bleed the brakes.
(13) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
DRIVE AXLE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENTÐYJ
VEHICLES
REMOVAL
(1) Raise the vehicle and position support stands
under the frame rails slightly in front the springs.
(2) Remove the rear wheels.
(3) Mark the drive shaft yoke and axle pinion yoke
for alignment reference. Disconnect the drive shaft
from the axle.
(4) Disconnect the axle vent hose.
(5) Disconnect the parking brake cables at the
equalizer or backing plate.
(6) Disconnect the shock absorbers from the plate
brackets.
Fig. 1 Typical Housing Cover With Sealant
3 - 14 REAR SUSPENSION AND AXLESJ

(7) Disconnect the brake hose at the axle junction
block.Do not disconnect the wheel cylinder tub-
ing fittings.
(8) Disconnect the track bar at the axle bracket.
(9) Support the axle with a hydraulic jack under
the differential. Raise the axle just enough to relieve
the axle weight from the springs.
(10) Remove the spring U-bolts from the plate
brackets.
(11) Loosen BUT DO NOT REMOVE the bolts that
attach the spring front pivot at the frame rail brack-
ets. This will allow the springs to pivot without bind-
ing on the bushings.
(12) Disconnect shackle from the springs and lower
the springs to the surface.
(13) Lower the jack enough to remove the axle.
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Suspension components with rubber
bushings should be tightened with the vehicle at
normal height. It is important to have the springs
supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fas-
teners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal
ride position, vehicle ride comfort could be affected
and premature bushing wear may occur. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated.
(1) Support the axle on a hydraulic jack under the
differential. Position the axle under the vehicle.
(2) Raise the springs and install the spring shackle
bolts.Do not tighten at this time.
(3) Lower the axle and align the spring center
bolts with the locating holes in the axle pads and
plate brackets.
(4) Install the spring U-bolts through the plate
brackets and tighten to 122 Nzm (90 ft. lbs.) torque.
(5) Connect the track bar to the axle bracket and
install the bolt. Do not tighten at this time.
It is important that the springs support the
weight of the vehicle when the track bar is con-
nected. If the springs are not at their usual po-
sition, vehicle ride comfort could be affected.
(6) Connect the brake hose at the axle junction
block.
(7) Install the shock absorbers to the axle brackets
and tighten to 61 Nzm (45 ft. lbs.) torque.
(8) Connect the parking brake cables at the equal-
izer or backing plate.
(9) Connect the vent hose to the tube fitting.
(10) Align the reference marks and connect the
drive shaft to the axle yoke. Tighten the U-joint
clamp bolts to 19 Nzm (14 ft. lbs.) torque.
(11) Check differential lubricant and add if neces-
sary.
(12) Install the wheel and tire.
(13) Bleed the brakes.
(14) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.(15) Tighten the spring front pivot bolt/nut to 142
Nzm (105 ft. lbs.) torque. Tighten the spring shackle
bolt/nut to 135 Nzm (100 ft. lbs.) torque.
(16) Tighten the track bar bolt at the axle bracket
to 142 Nzm (105 ft. lbs.) torque.
PINION SHAFT SEAL REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove wheel and tire assemblies.
(3) Mark the drive shaft yoke and pinion yoke for
installation alignment reference.
(4) Remove the drive shaft from the yoke.
(5) Rotate the pinion gear three or four times.
Make sure brakes are not dragging during this
procedure.
(6) Measure the amount of torque (in Newton-
meters or inch-pounds) necessary to rotate the pinion
gear with a torque wrench. Note the torque for in-
stallation reference.It must be known to properly
adjust the pinion gear bearing preload torque
after seal installation.
(7) Remove the pinion yoke nut and washer. Use
Remover C-452 and Wrench C-3281 to remove the
pinion yoke (Fig. 2).
(8) Mark the positions of the yoke and pinion gear
for installation alignment reference.
(9) Use Remover 7794A and slide hammer to re-
move the pinion gear seal (Fig. 3).
INSTALLATION
(1) Apply a light coating of gear lubricant on the
lip of pinion seal. Install seal with Installer D-163
and Handle C-4171 (Fig. 4).
(2) Align the installation reference marks and in-
stall yoke on the pinion gear with Installer W-162-D.
(3) Install a new nut on the pinion gear.Tighten
the nut only enough to remove the shaft end
play.
Fig. 2 Pinion Yoke Removal
JREAR SUSPENSION AND AXLES 3 - 15

(1) Assemble Pinion Gauge Set, Pinion Block and
pinion bearings. Install assembly into differential
pinion gear bore and hand tighten cone (Fig. 26).
(2) Place Arbor Disc 6732 on Arbor D-115-3 and po-
sition in the bearing cradles (Fig. 27). Install differ-
ential bearing caps on Arbor Discs and tighten caps
snug only.
Arbor Discs have different steps to fit other
axle sizes. Pick correct size step for axle being
serviced.
(3) Firmly place Scooter Block and Dial Indicator
on pinion height block tool and zero the dial indicator
pointer.
(4) Slide the Scooter Block across the arbor while
observing indicator (Fig. 28). Record the longest
travel distance, whether inward (-) or outward (+),
indicated by the pointer.
The plunger travel distance indicated, plus or
minus the variance etched in the gear is the re-
quired thickness for the depth shims.
(5) Measure the thickness of each depth shim with
a micrometer and combine the shims necessary fortotal required shim pack thickness.Include oil
slinger or baffle thickness with the total shim
pack thickness.
(6) Remove the measurement tools from the differ-
ential housing.
PINION GEAR ASSEMBLY/INSTALLATION
In production depth select shims are placed be-
tween the inner pinion bearing cone and pinion gear.
For service the select shims are placed under the in-
ner bearing cup.
(1) Place the depth shims (and baffle if equipped)
in the pinion gear rear bearing bore. Install the bear-
ing cup with Installer D-146 and Driver Handle
C-4171 (Fig. 29). Ensure cup is correctly seated.
Fig. 26 Pinion Height Block
Fig. 27 Gauge Tools In Housing
Fig. 28 Pinion Gear Depth Measurement
Fig. 29 Pinion Rear Bearing Cup Installation
JREAR SUSPENSION AND AXLES 3 - 23