Axle Housing: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford RV Cutaway, 2004 Ford Econoline, 2004 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2004 Ford Cutaway. 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 & LIFTING .
Index-mark the driveshaft and flange, remove and discard the four bolts.

Fig 1: Index-Marking Driveshaft And Flange And Remove 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.

Fig 2: Disconnecting Driveshaft Centering Socket Yoke From Rear Axle Pinion Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the rear axle pinion flange.
- Position the driveshaft out of the way.
Remove the drive pinion. For additional information, refer to DRIVE PINION .
Remove the brake caliper support brackets. For additional information, refer to DISC & DRUM .
Disconnect the rear brake anti-lock sensor electrical connector.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Rear Brake Anti-Lock Sensor Electrical Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the vent hose.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Vent Hose
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the brake hose junction block bolt.

Fig 5: Removing Brake Hose Junction Block Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the brake hose retainer bolt.

Fig 6: Removing Brake Hose Retainer Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Separate all parking brake cable and brake lines from the rear axle housing.

Fig 7: Separating All Parking Brake Cable
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 8: Separating Brake Lines From Rear Axle Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Support the rear axle with a suitable transmission jack.

Fig 9: Supporting Rear Axle With A Suitable Transmission Jack
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the lower shock absorber nuts and bolts.

Fig 10: Removing Lower Shock Absorber Nuts And Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the rear axle U-bolt assembly.
1. Remove the 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 11: Removing Rear Axle U-Bolt Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Lower the axle from the vehicle.