Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, raise and support the vehicle.
Index-mark the driveshaft flange to the rear axle pinion flange.

Fig 1: Index-Marking Driveshaft Flange To Rear Axle Pinion Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the four rear axle flange bolts.

Fig 2: Removing Four Rear Axle Flange Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Index-mark the driveshaft and the extension housing.

Fig 3: Index-Marking Driveshaft & Extension Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The driveshaft flange fits tightly on the rear axle 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, with a suitable tool, to disconnect the driveshaft flange from the pinion flange.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Driveshaft Flange From Rear Axle Pinion Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft flange from the rear axle pinion flange.

NOTE: Make sure the index marks on the extension housing and driveshaft are aligned before separation.

Lower the driveshaft and separate it from the transmission.

CAUTION: If new bolts to retain the driveshaft to the axle are not available, coat the threads of the original bolts with Threadlock and Sealer E0AZ-19554-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSK-M2G351-A5.

CAUTION: The driveshaft flange fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. To make sure that the driveshaft flange seats squarely on the pinion flange, tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern as shown.

Fig 5: Installing Driveshaft Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.