Axle Housing: Removal

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.

Remove the axle shafts. For additional information, refer to AXLE SHAFT .
Mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange for correct alignment during installation.

Fig 1: Marking Driveshaft Flange & Pinion Flange For Correct Alignment During Installation
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the four driveshaft bolts.

Fig 2: Removing Four Driveshaft Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the yoke from the flange. Pry only in the area shown with a suitable tool to disconnect the yoke from the flange.

Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the rear axle pinion flange.
- Position the driveshaft aside.
  
  Fig 3: Disconnecting Driveshaft Centering Socket Yoke From Rear Axle Pinion Flange
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the rear brake anti-lock sensor electrical connector and wiring harness clips.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Rear Brake Anti-Lock Sensor Electrical Connector & Wiring Harness Clips
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Do not disconnect the brake lines from the brake hose junction block.

Fig 5: Disconnecting Brake Hose Junction Block From Rear Axle Housing

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect the brake hose junction block from the rear axle housing.
Disconnect the rear axle housing vent hose from the rear axle housing.

CAUTION: Pull the brake lines from the retaining clips.

Fig 6: Disconnecting Rear Brake Drum Backing Plates

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect the rear brake drum backing plates and wire them out of the way.
Position a suitable jack under the rear axle housing and strap it securely in place.

Fig 7: Positioning Jack Under Rear Axle Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the two lower shock absorber nuts and bolts.

Fig 8: Removing Lower Shock Absorber Nuts & Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the rear axle U-bolt assembly.
1. Remove the four rear spring plate nuts.
2. Remove the two rear spring plate U-bolts.
3. Remove the rear spring plate.
4. Repeat the procedure for the other side.
  
  Fig 9: Removing Rear Axle U-Bolt Assembly
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Lower the rear axle from the vehicle.

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

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- For brake backing plate retainer net torque, refer to DISC & DRUM .
  
  Fig 10: Connecting Rear Brake Drum Backing Plates
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  
  Fig 11: Installing Rear Axle U-Bolt Assembly
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  
  Fig 12: Installing Driveshaft Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.