Does anyone have a DIY on swapping out a rear axle in a 2005 2500HD? I got hit on the RR and it bent my axle tube. I got a refurb rotor-to-rotor assembly, and I’m wondering how complicated the swap would be. Any ideas? Thanks!

its just an unbolt an rebolt... shouldn't be hard at all. gotta take brakes apart to get the e-brake dissconnected an depending on how much brake lines on the new axle remove all the brake lines off the old axle to keep costs down, make sure u get new u-bolts

dude...this is the ENGINE ONLY section..there is a DIY section and a Drivetrain section. go look.. sheesh.

i did get new u bolts, as well as some amsoil to flush and refill. i just cant think its going to be that complicated. some jackstands on the frame rails and just R&R right?

Swapping a rear axle, especially one that is a matching axle can be done with your eyes closed and one hand tied behind your back. All kidding aside, you need to start by making sure they are the same ratio (No brainer but you would be surprised how often people make that mistake). Then;
1. Support the vehicle by the frame so the axle can hang, leave your tires on, it makes it easier to roll it out from under the truck.
2. Disconnect the shocks, e-brake cables, vent tube, driveshaft, brake line (pinch it on the rubber so the fluid stays in the line to the front of the truck) etc.
3. Put slight pressure on the bottom center of the axle with the jack and unbolt your u-bolts (you already took measurements and have new ones ready to go, right?)
4. Slowly lower the axle to the ground and roll it out from under the truck.
5. Put your tires on the new axle and roll it under the truck. Jack it up until the center pins in the leaf springs are engaged in the spring pads on the axle.
6. Using your new u-bolts tighten the springs and axle together.
7. Reattach everything that was disconnected in Step 2
8. Check the gear oil and have someone help you bleed the brakes
9. Go drive it and quit letting people run into you :D

dude...this is the ENGINE ONLY section..there is a DIY section and a Drivetrain section. go look.. sheesh.

DUDE! chill the F&_K out!! my God! :eek: sorry to ruin your day! get a life man, i make a simply mistake on a "engine only" post! wtf! no wonder ppl talk trash about this site!

Swapping a rear axle, especially one that is a matching axle can be done with your eyes closed and one hand tied behind your back. All kidding aside, you need to start by making sure they are the same ratio (No brainer but you would be surprised how often people make that mistake). Then;
1. Support the vehicle by the frame so the axle can hang, leave your tires on, it makes it easier to roll it out from under the truck.
2. Disconnect the shocks, e-brake cables, vent tube, driveshaft, brake line (pinch it on the rubber so the fluid stays in the line to the front of the truck) etc.
3. Put slight pressure on the bottom center of the axle with the jack and unbolt your u-bolts (you already took measurements and have new ones ready to go, right?)
4. Slowly lower the axle to the ground and roll it out from under the truck.
5. Put your tires on the new axle and roll it under the truck. Jack it up until the center pins in the leaf springs are engaged in the spring pads on the axle.
6. Using your new u-bolts tighten the springs and axle together.
7. Reattach everything that was disconnected in Step 2
8. Check the gear oil and have someone help you bleed the brakes
9. Go drive it and quit letting people run into you :D


thanks bro! that was awesome! too bad were in the ENGINE ONLY SECTION! i hope more people yell at me!

he was probably trying to help you. You posted twice in the wrong section he curteously told you your in the wrong section the first time.

OK i posted them both at the same time, not realizing it was engine only. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE!