Axle Assembly-Front Drive: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Pickup, 2001 Ford Pickup, and 2000 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

With the transmission in Neutral, raise and support the vehicle.
Index-mark the front driveshaft to the axle universal joint flange (4858).

Fig 1: Indexing Front Driveshaft To Axle Universal Joint Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not allow the driveshaft to hang unsupported.

Disconnect and support the front driveshaft.
1. Remove the four bolts.
2. Carefully disconnect and support the front driveshaft.
  
  Fig 2: Disconnecting Front Driveshaft
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not allow the halfshaft to hang unsupported.

Remove the six bolts and disconnect the front drive halfshaft.
- Repeat Step 4 for the opposite side.
  
  Fig 3: Disconnecting Front Drive Halfshaft
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the vacuum lines and the front axle vent tube.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Vacuum Lines & Front Axle Vent Tube
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Use a high-lift jack to support the axle assembly.

Fig 5: Supporting Axle Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 6: Removing Front Differential Support
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the front differential support.
1. Remove the nut and bolt.
2. Remove the nuts and bolts.
3. Remove the front differential support.
Remove the nut and bolt.

Fig 7: Identifying Nut & Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the nut and bolt.

Fig 8: Identifying Nut & Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Carefully lower the front drive axle assembly.