Ford 3L2Z-4234-AB Shaft Assembly - Rear Axle

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It has a hypoid semi-floating type rear axle assembly with the pinion gear below the centerline of the ring gear. The differential carrier is equipped with a pressed-steel cover and steel axle tubes that are pressed and welded in case of any leakage. There is an optional Traction-Lok limited slip rear axle that will allow normal operation until one wheel loses traction. It uses multi-disc clutch packs and a speed-sensitive engagement mechanism to lock both axleshafts together thus applying equal rotational power to both wheels. To callibrate it, you need the axle identification number which can be found on a small metal tag located near one of the cover bolts. It should be remembered that there may not always be a problem with the rear axle if some preliminary checks have been done. The common noises related to diagnosis of rear axles involve road noise, tire noise, and engine/transmission noise that can be also mistaken for mechanical problem.

Removal begins with loosening the lug nuts on the rear wheels, raising the rear of the vehicle, supporting it securely on jackstands and removing the rear wheels. Also remove the rear spare wheel/tire for more working room. Next, remove the axleshafts, and disconnect the rear of the driveshaft from the axle. Unbolt the brake line junction block from the axle housing and detach the brake lines from the clips on the axle housing. Disconnect the rear anti-lock electrical connector from the sensor on the axle housing. On models with Automatic Ride Control (ARC), disconnect the rear height sensor. Proceed to remove the rear brake drums or discs/calipers. Remove the nuts and bolts that secure the brake backing plate, or disc brake adapter and dust shield) to the axle. Separate the backing plate from the axle and tie them up out of the way. Detach the vent hose from the axle housing. The vent hose is secured to the axle by a crimp-type clamp - you'll need to replace it with a screw-type clamp. Release the front parking brake cable from the rear cables. Place a transmission jack beneath the axle housing. Secure the axle housing to the jack with a safety strap or chain. Note: You'll need to tilt the axle housing on the jack to remove it. Secure the axle so it can't fall off the jack, but position the strap or chain so the axle can be tilted. Remove the U-bolt nuts that secure the spring/shock mounting bracket to the axle. Detach the shock absorber from the bracket. Lower the bracket away from the spring, then remove the U-bolts. Unbolt the stabilizer bar bracket bolts from the axle housing. Move the stabilizer bar out of the way. On models equipped with the 5.0L VB, remove the right-side anti-windup bar. Raise the axle up off the spring. Move it toward the passenger side of the vehicle until the driver's side end of the axleshaft clears the spring. Tilt the driver's side of the axle housing down. Lower the axle, move it toward the driver's side and remove it from beneath the vehicle. Installation is the reverse of the removal process. Be sure to tighten the fasteners. Tighten the wheel lug nuts.

During the installation process, it is crucial to follow the reverse of the disassembly procedure and ensure proper tightening of bolts and nuts throughout to maintain the integrity and safety of the front differential assembly.

For proper outer CV joint and boot replacement, the outer boot is installed, clamps are tightened with appropriate pliers, and the inner CV joint and boot are assembled. Inspection of the CV joint is crucial to identify wear or damage.

The initial steps involve loosening the lug nuts on the rear wheels and then raising the rear of the vehicle, securely supporting it on jackstands. These steps are important to provide a stable and safe working environment for the axleshaft removal process.