To remove the axleshaft, first loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels, then raise the rear of the vehicle, support it securely on jackstands, and remove the rear wheels. Next, remove the rear brake drums and clean all dirt from the area surrounding the carrier cover. Drain the differential lubricant and remove the differential shaft lock-bolt and differential pinion shaft, noting that on Traction-Lok differentials, the preload spring does not need to be removed. Push the axleshafts toward the center of the vehicle and remove the C-locks from the button end of the axleshafts, being careful not to drop them or damage the rubber O-ring in the groove under the C-lock. Carefully remove the axleshafts from the housing, ensuring the oil seal is not damaged. For oil seal and bearing replacement, insert a rear axle bearing remover attached to a slide hammer into the bore of the bearing and withdraw the bearing and oil seal as a unit. Clean the rear axle housing bore thoroughly, lubricate the new bearing with rear axle lubricant, and install it using an axle bearing driver tool or a large socket, tapping it in until it reaches the full depth of its recess without damaging the inner bearing race. Apply multi-purpose grease between the lips of the axleshaft seal and install a new axleshaft seal using an installation tool or a large socket, ensuring it is not installed incorrectly to avoid damage. For axleshaft installation, ensure the rubber O-ring is in the groove at the end of the axleshaft, then carefully insert the axle into the housing and install the C-lock on the button end, pushing the shaft out until the C-lock seals in the counter bore of the differential side gear. Position the differential pinion shaft through the case and pinion gears, aligning the hole in the shaft with the lock-bolt hole, apply thread locking compound to the lock-bolt, install it, and tighten to the specified torque. Clean the gasket mounting surface on the rear axle housing and cover, apply a continuous bead of silicone sealant, and install the cover and bolts, tightening them in a criss-cross pattern to the specified torque. Refill the axle with the correct quantity and grade of lubricant, install the brake drums, then install the wheels and lug nuts, and finally lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the specified value.
Posted by FordPartsGiant Specialist