Removal and Installation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2005 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
- Remove the rear halfshafts. For additional information, refer to REAR DRIVE HALFSHAFTS .
- Index-mark the driveshaft flange to the pinion flange.
- Remove the 4 driveshaft flange bolts.
- To install, tighten to 112 Nm (83 lb-ft).
- Using a suitable tool as shown in Fig 3, disconnect the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange, then using mechanic's wire, position aside the driveshaft.
- Position a suitable transmission jack to the axle housing.
- Securely strap the jack to the axle.
- Remove the axle assembly front lower insulator bolt.
- To install, tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
- Remove the axle assembly rear insulator bolts.
- To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
- Lower the axle assembly from the vehicle.
- To install, reverse the removal procedure.
CAUTION:
If new driveshaft flange bolts are not available, coat the threads of the original driveshaft flange bolts with threadlock and sealer.
NOTE:
Align the index marks when installing the driveshaft.
CAUTION:
The driveshaft flange fits tightly on the pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange. Pry only in the area shown in Fig 3, with a suitable tool, to disconnect the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange.
CAUTION:
The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the pinion flange pilot. To make sure that the yoke seats squarely on the pinion flange, tighten the driveshaft flange bolts evenly in a cross-pattern as shown in Fig 4.
NOTE:
If new driveshaft flange bolts are not available, coat the threads of the original driveshaft flange bolts with threadlock and sealer.