Axle Shafts & Bearings: Installation

Lubricate bearing with rear axle lubricant. Install wheel bearing and seal into axle housing using proper sized driver. Ensure seal was not damaged during installation. Lubricate seal lips with multi-purpose lubricant. If seal becomes cocked during installation, remove and replace with a new one.

Fig 1: Exploded View of Typical 7 1/2" & 8 3/4" Axle Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
On 8 3/4" ring gears, install "O" ring on splined end of axle shaft. On all axles, install axle shaft in axle housing, using care not to damage oil seal. Install "C" locks on axle shafts. Pull axle shafts outward to seat locks in counterbore of differential side gears.
Apply thread sealant to pinion shaft lock bolt. Install pinion shaft and lock bolt and tighten to proper specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. Ensure housing cover sealing surfaces are clean and free of burrs. Apply 1/8-3/16" bead of silicone sealant on housing cover.
NOTE: Housing cover assembly must be installed within 15 minutes of application of silicone sealant.
Install housing cover, identification tag and retaining bolts. Using crisscross pattern, tighten retaining bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
Install ABS wheel speed sensor (if equipped). Refill axle with Gear Lubricant (E0AZ-19580-AA) until fluid level is 1/4" below filler plug.
CAUTION: If axle of Traction-Lok differential model was drained, add 4 ozs. (.12L) of Friction Modifier (C8AZ-19B546-A) to fluid level.