Drive Axles - Ford Motor Co. - 6 3/4" Ring Gear: Overhaul: Disassembly

CAUTION: Differential case and drive pinion may be serviced with axle housing installed in vehicle. However, underbody should be cleaned to prevent dirt contamination.

Raise and support vehicle so axle drops down as far as springs and shocks will permit. Remove axle housing cover and drain lubricant. Mount dial indicator. Measure and record ring gear backlash and runout. Remove wheels, brake drums, wheel bearing retainers, axle shafts, propeller shaft, backing plates and axle seals.
Mark 1 bearing cap and differential case for reassembly reference and note position of arrow on bearing caps (if equipped). Loosen bearing cap bolts and bearing caps. Pry differential case, bearing cups and shims out until they are loose in bearing caps. Remove bearing caps, then lift out differential case.
NOTE: Bearing caps must be installed with arrows pointing in same direction as before disassembly.
Mark companion flange in relation to pinion shaft. Hold companion flange and remove pinion nut and flange. Using a soft-faced hammer, drive pinion shaft out of front bearing and remove shaft from rear of carrier. Remove pinion seal and front pinion bearing. Using bearing remover, press rear bearing off pinion shaft. Remove, measure and record thickness of shim under rear pinion bearing.
NOTE: Do not remove pinion bearing cups from carrier housing unless cups are worn or damaged. If cups are replaced, bearings must also be replaced.
Remove differential side bearings with a puller. Mark differential case, cover and ring gear for reassembly reference. Remove and discard ring gear mounting bolts. Press or tap off ring gear. Remove left differential case half. Drive out differential pinion shaft lock pin with a drift. Drive out pinion shaft, then remove pinion gears, side gears and thrust washers.