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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 283 (Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 8.8-Inch Ring Gear) >> Removal And Installation >> Axle Housing >> Removal and Installation

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.
    CAUTION: Reinstall the differential pinion shaft (4211) and the bolt in the differential case (4204) after removing the axle shafts.
  1. Remove the axle shafts. For additional information, refer to AXLE SHAFT .
  2. Index-mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange for correct alignment during installation.
    Fig 1: Index-Marking Driveshaft Flange & Pinion Flange For Correct Alignment During Installation
    G01291530Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. Remove the four bolts.
    Fig 2: Removing Driveshaft Bolts
    G01291531Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    4. 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.
  4. Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft flange from the rear axle pinion flange.
    • Position the driveshaft aside.
      Fig 3: Disconnecting Driveshaft Flange From Rear Axle Pinion Flange
      G01291532Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  5. Disconnect the rear brake anti-lock sensor electrical connector from the sensor.
    • Separate the wiring harness from the clips, and position the harness aside.
      Fig 4: Disconnecting Rear Brake Anti-Lock Sensor Electrical Connector From Sensor
      G01291533Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Disconnect the vent hose from the axle.
  7. Separate the brake lines from the retaining clips on the axle.
    Fig 5: Separating Brake Lines From Retaining Clips On Axle
    G01291534Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    8. NOTE: Do not disconnect the brake lines from the brake hose junction block.
  8. Disconnect the brake hose junction block from the differential housing (4141).
  9. Disconnect the rear brake backing plates from the axle. Wire the assemblies out of the way.
    Fig 6: Disconnecting Rear Brake Backing Plates From Axle
    G01291535Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Position a suitable jack under the differential housing and strap it securely in place.
    Fig 7: Positioning Jack Under Differential Housing
    G01291536Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  11. Remove the nuts and the bolts retaining the shock absorbers to the axle.
    Fig 8: Removing Nuts & Bolts Retaining Shock Absorbers To Axle
    G01291537Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  12. Remove the nuts, the rear axle U-bolts and the rear spring plates.
    Fig 9: Remove Nuts, Rear Axle U-Bolts & Rear Spring Plates
    G01291538Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  13. Lower the rear axle from the vehicle.
    14. CAUTION: If new bolts to retain the driveshaft to the axle are not available, coat the threads of the original bolts with threadlock.
    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.
  14. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
    • Refer to Section DISC & DRUM for brake backing plate retainer tightening specifications.
      Fig 10: Installing Driveshaft
      G01291539Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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