How to Install Rear Axles in a 1996 Chevy Silverado

Your 1996 Chevy Silverado came with either a Dana/Spicer full floating axle or a Rockwell full floating axle, depending on options included with the truck. Your axle shafts are housed inside the axle housing and provide rotational power from the differential to the rear wheels. Because of the differences between the two different axles the process for either one is different and will require different tools. You can tell which type of axle you have by inspecting how the axle is mounted to the wheel hub. If your axle shafts are bolted to the wheel hub assembly you have a Dana/Spicer setup and if the axle is pressed into the wheel hub you have a Rockwell setup.

Instructions

Removal

1

Park the truck on a level surface and set the parking brake. Place the wheel chocks around the front tires. Loosen the lug nuts on the rear side of the truck to be serviced with the lug wrench. Lift the rear of the truck into the air with the floor jack and place the jack stands under the rear frame rails. Lower the floor jack until the truck rests securely on the jack stands and remove the floor jack.

2

Remove the lug nuts from the rear wheel. Remove the wheel and tire from the truck. Pop the dust cap from the wheel hub by prying it up gently with the flat-head screwdriver.

3

Remove the 8 bolts securing the axle shaft to the wheel hub on the Dana/Spicer axle shaft. Hit the base of the axle shaft with the rubber mallet a few times to loosen the shaft. Place the locking pliers over the ribbed section of the axle shaft and twist it slightly to begin removing the axle. Slide the axle out of the rear end; be careful not to damage the oil seal. Set the axle shaft aside and remove the old gasket or RTV sealant from the axle of hub. Label the axle shafts as left and right if both shafts are removed at the same time.

4

Thread the end of the slide hammer tool into the threaded end of the Rockwell axle shaft. Slide the hammer from the wheel hub to the end of the slide hammer to pull the axle shaft from the wheel hub. Remove the slide hammer tool when the Rockwell axle shaft is loose. Slide the axle shaft out of the rear end and set it aside. Label the axle shafts as left and right if both shafts are removed at the same time.

Installation

5

Install a new gasket to the axle shaft or wheel hub and slide the axle shaft into the Dana/Spicer rear end. Inspect the oil seal for any cracks or tears and replace as necessary. Push your axle shaft until it sits firmly on the matting surface at the wheel hub, this means it is properly splined with the differential side gears. Install the retaining bolts and tighten to 115 foot-pounds with the torque wrench.

6

Inspect the axle shaft seal for any cracks or damage and replace as necessary, if equipped with the Rockwell rear end. Slide the axle shaft through the hub bearing and into the axle housing. Push the axle as far into the hub as possible. Thread the slide hammer into the threaded hole on the axle shaft. Slide the hammer from the far end of the tool towards the truck to drive the axle shaft into position. Continue pressing the axle shaft into the hub until it sits flush with the hub. Remove the slide hammer tool.

7

Place the wheel and tire onto the truck. Install the lug nuts hand tight. Lift the rear of the truck off of the jack stands with the floor jack. Remove the jack stands from under the vehicle and lower the truck to the ground. Remove the floor jack.

8

Tighten the lug nuts to 140 foot-pounds with the torque wrench. Remove the wheel chocks from around the front wheels.