Axle Assembly: Removal

All vehicles 

1. Remove the driveshaft. Refer to DRIVESHAFT .
2. Remove the rear halfshafts. Refer to REAR DRIVE HALFSHAFTS .
3. Remove the rear stabilizer bar and link. Refer to REAR SUSPENSION .
4. Position a suitable transmission hydraulic jack to the axle housing. Securely strap the jack to the housing.
   Fig 1: Identifying Position Of Transmission Hydraulic Jack To Axle Housing

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5. Disconnect the active torque coupling electrical connector at the front of the RDU  assembly.

Vehicles equipped with an RDU with an aluminum differential cover. 

6. If equipped, disconnect the RDU  vent tube pushpin and hose adapter from the top back of the subframe.
   Fig 2: Locating RDU Vent Tube Pushpin And Hose Adapter

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All vehicles 

7. Remove the 4 differential housing-to-front insulator bracket bolts.
   • To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
   Fig 3: Locating Differential Housing-To-Front Insulator Bracket Bolts

   Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
8. Loosen the LH front insulator bracket-to-subframe bolt, and rotate the bracket aside.
   • To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
9. Loosen the RH front insulator bracket-to-subframe bolt and the bracket, and rotate the bracket aside.
   • To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).

Vehicles equipped with an RDU with a stamped steel differential cover 

10. Remove the 2 RH side insulator bracket-to-rear axle differential bolts and the axle assembly.
    • To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
    Fig 4: Locating RH Side Insulator Bracket-To-Rear Axle Differential Bolts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Vehicles equipped with an RDU with an aluminum differential cover 

11. Remove the 3 RH side insulator or bracket-to-rear axle differential bolts and the axle assembly.
    • To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All vehicles 

12. Remove the 3 LH side insulator or bracket-to-rear axle differential bolts.
    • To install, tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
    Fig 5: Locating LH Side Insulator Or Bracket-To-Rear Axle Differential Bolts

    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
13. Lower the rear axle assembly.