Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 8.8-Inch Ring Gear High Torque

Axle Shaft





Removal

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.

2. Remove the wheel and tire.

3. Remove the 10 differential housing cover bolts and drain the lubricant from the rear axle housing.

4. Remove the rear brake drums.





5. Remove the differential thrust plate.

1. Remove and discard the differential thrust plate lock bolt.

2. Remove the differential thrust plate.





6. NOTE: Do not damage the rubber O-rings in the axle shaft grooves.

Push the axle shafts inboard and remove the U-washers.





7. NOTE: Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal.

Remove the 2 axle shafts.





Installation

1. Lubricate the lip of the wheel bearing oil seal with grease.

2. NOTE: Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal.

Install the 2 axle shafts.





3. NOTE: Do not damage the rubber O-rings in the U-washer grooves.

Position the 2 U-washers on the button end of the axle shafts and pull the axle shafts outward.





4. Install the differential thrust plate.

1. Align the hole in the thrust plate shaft with the case lock bolt hole.

2. Install a new differential pinion shaft lock bolt.





5. Install the rear brake drums.





6. NOTE: Clean the gasket mating surface of the rear axle and the differential housing cover.

Apply a continuous bead of sealant to the differential housing cover.





7. NOTE: The differential housing cover must be installed within 15 minutes of application of the silicone, or new sealant must be applied. If possible, allow one hour before filling with lubricant to make sure the silicone sealant has correctly cured.

Install the differential housing cover and 10 bolts.

- Tighten to 45 Nm (33 lb-ft).





8. NOTE: Service refill capacities are determined by filling the axle with the specified lubricant to the specified level below the bottom of the filler hole.

NOTE: When filling a Traction Loc(R) axle, first fill the axle with 118 mL (4 oz) of friction modifier.

Remove the plug and fill the axle to the level shown with axle lubricant and install the filler plug.

- Tighten to 52 Nm (38 lb-ft).





9. Install the tire and wheel.