Removal (Cougar & Thunderbird)
- Drain fuel tank. Raise and support vehicle. Remove fuel tank forward crossmember. Remove exhaust pipe at muffler and lower away from vehicle.
- Remove exhaust pipe heat shield. Remove drive shaft hanger, located on rear side of fuel tank. Remove fuel tank filler tube. Support fuel tank with transmission jack. Remove front heat shield.
- Remove fuel tank support and support straps. Lower fuel tank enough to access axle companion flange. Place reference mark on drive shaft, propeller flange and axle companion flange for reassembly reference.
- Remove drive shaft retaining bolts and separate shaft from axle companion flange. Slide drive shaft with slip yoke out of transmission output shaft. Install plug to prevent fluid loss.