Tandem Axle/Suspension Removal and Installation

Tandem Axle/Suspension Removal and Installation

Removal Procedure





Caution: To prevent injury, use jacks and other equipment to block the vehicle securely to prevent the axle assemblies from rolling or pivoting at the equalizer beam ends when the torque rods are disconnected.

Important: Remove the tandem axle suspension either as a complete suspension unit or as individual components. Refer to Torque Rod Replacement Rear Suspension or to Leaf Spring Replacement (Single Axle) Leaf Spring Replacement (Single Axle)Leaf Spring Replacement (Tandem Axle RT-400 Type) Leaf Spring Replacement (Tandem Axle RT-400 Type) or to Equalizing Beam Replacement Equalizing Beam Replacement.


1. Set the parking brake.
2. Block the front wheels.
3. Cage the spring brake chambers. Refer to Caging the Rear Air Brake Chamber in Air Drums.
4. Drain the air system. Refer to Draining Reservoirs in Air Brakes.
5. Raise the vehicle frame using a suitable lifting device.
6. Support the frame forward of the rear axle.
7. Remove the brake lines.
8. Remove the wiring.
9. Remove the propeller shaft from between the axles. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

* Propeller Shaft Replacement - One Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement - One Piece in Propeller Shaft.
* Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece in Propeller Shaft.
* Propeller Shaft Replacement - Three Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement - Three Piece in Propeller Shaft.
* Propeller Shaft Replacement - Four Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement - Four Piece in Propeller Shaft.
* Propeller Shaft Replacement - Tandem Axle Propeller Shaft Replacement - Tandem Axle in Propeller Shaft.

10. Remove the differential lock lines.
11. Remove the nut and washer.
12. Remove the rebound bolt.
13. Remove the following components from the spring brackets:

* The nuts
* The washers
* The bolts

Caution: To avoid the possibility of injury, have an assistant remove the spacers (when used), and pivot the forward spring mounting brackets to the rear, letting them rest on the top of the spring assembly.

14. Remove the propeller shaft from the forward rear axle. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

* Propeller Shaft Replacement - One Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement - One Piece in Propeller Shaft.
* Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece in Propeller Shaft.
* Propeller Shaft Replacement - Three Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement - Three Piece in Propeller Shaft.
* Propeller Shaft Replacement - Four Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement - Four Piece in Propeller Shaft.
* Propeller Shaft Replacement - Tandem Axle Propeller Shaft Replacement - Tandem Axle in Propeller Shaft.

15. Remove the suspension assembly and the frame spacers, if used.

1. Raise the frame and roll out the axles.
2. Secure the spring mounting bracket to the top of the spring assembly.

Installation Procedure




1. Install the suspension assembly.

1. Raise the frame and roll the axles into place.
2. Lower the frame in order to line up the brackets.

2. Install the frame spacers, if used.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

3. Install the following components to the spring brackets:

* The bracket nuts
* The washers
* The bracket bolts

Tighten the spring bracket nut to 155 Nm (115 lb ft).

4. Install the following components:

* The rebound bolts
* The washers
* The nuts

Tighten the rebound nut to 75 Nm (55 lb ft).

5. Install the propeller shafts. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

* Propeller Shaft Replacement - One Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement - One Piece in Propeller Shaft.
* Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement - Two Piece in Propeller Shaft.
* Propeller Shaft Replacement - Three Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement - Three Piece in Propeller Shaft.
* Propeller Shaft Replacement - Four Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement - Four Piece in Propeller Shaft.
* Propeller Shaft Replacement - Tandem Axle Propeller Shaft Replacement - Tandem Axle in Propeller Shaft.

6. Install the wiring.
7. Install the differential lock lines.
8. Install the brake lines.
9. Uncage the spring brake chambers. Refer to Caging the Rear Air Brake Chamber in Air Drums.