The rear axle installed in a Jeep Wrangler TJ turns the rear wheels when the driveshaft turns. This axle has a pinion gear and axle shafts inside of it. Any of the components inside of the axle can break or wear down over time, and when they do, the axle will make noise and could eventually fail. Although there is easy access to the axle while still mounted on the Jeep, it may be easier to remove it from the vehicle if you need to work on it.
Park the Jeep on a level surface with wheel chocks around the front wheels. Lift the rear of the Jeep with the jack. Then place the jack stands underneath the frame as well as the rear axle. Take off the rear wheels with the tire iron.
Disconnect the rear parking brake cables from the rear brakes with the flathead screwdriver. Remove the brake line connection to the rear axle with a line wrench. If the axle has wheel speed sensors, unplug the harness to the rear end with your hands.
Remove the vent hose from the top of the axle with the pliers. Unbolt the sway bar end links from the axle with an open-end wrench and the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Unbolt the shock absorbers from the rear end with an open-end wrench and the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
Unbolt the track bar from the rear end with a 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Lift up the axle with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the axle with the jack and pull the coils out of the rear suspension.
Unbolt the upper and lower control arms from the rear axle with the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Unbolt the driveshaft from the axle with an open-end wrench. Lower the axle from the rear suspension with the jack. Then pull the jack away from the underside of the Jeep.
