Drive Axles - Ford Motor Co. - 7 1/2" & 8 1/2" Ring Gear: Overhaul: Disassembly

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

Raise vehicle and support under rear frame crossmember. Lower hoist until axle drops down far enough for working ease. Remove housing cover and drain lubricant. Mount a dial indicator and measure and record ring gear backlash and runout. Remove rear wheels and brake drums. Remove "C" locks and axle shafts as previously described.
Place alignment marks on propeller shaft, yoke and companion flange for reassembly reference. Remove propeller shaft. Mark 1 differential bearing cap for reassembly reference and note arrow position. Loosen bearing cap bolts and bearing caps. Pry differential case, bearing cups and shims out until loose in bearing caps. Remove bearing caps and differential.
NOTE: Bearing cups and caps must be installed in original positions.
Remove pinion nut and companion flange. Drive pinion out of front bearing with soft-faced hammer, then remove pinion from rear of housing. Remove seal with slide hammer and puller (1175-AC). Remove front bearing. Mount bearing puller (T71P-4621-B) on pinion shaft and press shaft out of bearing. Remove, measure and record thickness of shim located behind bearing.
NOTE: Do not remove pinion bearing cups unless damaged. If cups are replaced, bearings must also be replaced.
Remove differential side bearings with a puller. Mark differential case and ring gear for reassembly reference. Remove and discard ring gear mounting bolts. Press or tap off ring gear. Drive out pinion shaft lock pin and shaft with a punch. Remove pinion gears, side gears and thrust washers.