Ford 8.8 - Inch Ring Gear

Axle Shaft

Removal

1. WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch located in the RH kick panel area. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.

Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly.

3. CAUTION: Do not allow the brake caliper to hang from the brake hose. Provide a suitable support.

Remove the rear brake caliper, and the brake disc. Position the brake caliper aside.

4. Remove the differential housing cover.
^ Drain the lubricant.





5. Remove the differential pinion shaft.
1 Remove and discard the differential pinion shaft lock bolt.
2 Remove the differential pinion shaft.





6. CAUTION: Do not damage the rubber O-ring in the U-washer groove.

Remove the U-washer.
1 Push the axle shaft inboard.
2 Remove the U-washer.





7. CAUTION: Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal.
Remove the axle shaft.

Installation





1. Lubricate the lip of the wheel bearing oil seal.
^ Use Premium Long-Life Grease XG-1-C or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESA-M1C75-B.





2. CAUTION: Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal.
Install the axle shaft.
CAUTION: Do not damage the rubber O-ring in the axle shaft groove.





3. Install the U-washer.
1 Position the U-washer on the button end of the axle shaft.
2 Pull the axle shaft outward.





4. NOTE: If a new differential pinion shaft lock bolt is unavailable, coat the threads with Threadlock and Sealer EOAZ-19554-or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSK-M2G351-A5 prior to installation.

Install the differential pinion shaft.
1 Align the hole in the differential pinion shaft with the case lock bolt hole.
2 Install a new differential pinion shaft lock bolt.

5. Install the differential housing cover, and fill the differential housing with the correct amount of specified lubricant.
6. Install the brake disc, and the brake caliper.
7. Install the wheel and tire assembly.

8. NOTE: If equipped with air suspension, reactivate the system.

Lower the vehicle.