Removal And Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Lincoln Town Car. 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 article.
Index-mark the driveshaft centering socket yoke and the rear axle pinion flange.

Fig 1: Marking Driveshaft Flange And Pinion Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Index-mark the driveshaft and the transmission extension housing.

Fig 2: Marking Driveshaft & Transmission Extension Housing

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 4 rear axle pinion flange bolts.
- To install, tighten to 112 Nm (83 lb-ft).

Fig 3: Driveshaft Flange 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 in illustration, with a suitable tool, to disconnect the yoke from the flange or damage to the component may occur.

Using a suitable tool as shown in illustration, disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the rear axle pinion flange.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Driveshaft Flange Yoke From Pinion Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Do not rotate the driveshaft after making sure the transmission extension housing and the driveshaft index marks are aligned.

Lower the rear end of the driveshaft to clear the rear axle housing. Pull the driveshaft rearward until the driveshaft slip yoke clears the transmission extension housing.
- Plug the extension housing to prevent fluid loss.

CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. To make sure that the yoke seats squarely on the flange, tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern or damage to the component may occur.

NOTE: Install the driveshaft with new bolts. If new bolts are not available, apply sealer to the threads of the original bolts.

NOTE: Inspect the extension housing seal for damage. Install a new seal if necessary.

NOTE: Lubricate the slip-yoke spline with grease.

NOTE: If installing a new driveshaft, align the factory-made yellow paint mark at the rear of the driveshaft tube with the factory-made yellow paint mark on the rear axle pinion flange. If the paint marks are not visible, refer to DRIVELINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article for driveshaft indexing.

NOTE: Inspect the mating surfaces on the rear axle pinion flange and the driveshaft centering socket yoke for foreign material and for damage from nicks or burrs that could prevent the flanges from fitting tightly together. Repair damaged areas or install new components as necessary to make sure a tight fit is obtained.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.