Axle Assembly
Axle Assembly
All vehicles
NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical components because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. Install new components with the same component number or an equivalent component if installation is necessary. Do not use an installation component of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these components.
1. Release the parking brake cable tension. For additional information, refer to Parking Brake System.
2. Remove the rear wheels and tires. For additional information, refer to Wheels and Tires.
3. If equipped, remove the stabilizer bar. For additional information, refer to Rear Suspension.
4. Remove the 4 brake caliper anchor plate bolts.
- To install (F-250/350), tighten the new bolts to 275 Nm (203 lb-ft).
- To install (F-450/550), tighten the new bolts to 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).
5. NOTICE: Do not allow the brake caliper to hang by the brake hose or damage to the brake hose can occur.
Position the 2 brake caliper and anchor plate assemblies aside.
- Support the caliper and anchor plate assemblies using mechanic's wire.
6. Release the parking brake cables from the brackets.
7. Rotate the parking brake cables 90 degrees and disconnect them from the parking brake actuating levers.
8. NOTE: The LH parking brake cable and conduit must be routed to the outside of the leaf spring assembly.
Remove the LH parking brake cable bracket-to-U-bolt plate bolt.
- To install, tighten to 28 Nm (21 lb-ft).
9. Disconnect the rear wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
10. Remove the parking brake cable bracket-to-differential housing bolts.
- To install, tighten to 21 Nm (15 lb-ft).
11. NOTE: LH shown, RH similar.
Remove the 2 brake hose bracket bolts.
- To install, tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
12. Unclip the brake tube from the RH axle retaining clip.
13. Remove the RH parking brake cable wire from bracket-to-shock absorber bracket bolt.
- To install, tighten to 20 Nm (177 lb-in).
14. Disconnect the vent hose from the brake hose junction block.
15. Remove the brake hose junction block bolt.
- To install, tighten to 17 Nm (150 lb-in).
16. WARNING: Secure the assembly to the jack. Avoid any obstructions while lowering and raising the jack. Contact with obstructions may cause the assembly to fall off the jack, which may result in serious personal injury.
Use a suitable transmission jack to support the axle.
17. WARNING: Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorber or strut tube. The shock absorber and strut tube are gas pressurized and could explode if heated. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.
Remove and discard the 2 lower shock absorber nuts and bolts.
- To install, tighten the new nuts and bolts to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
F-250/350 vehicles
18. NOTICE: Final tightening of the U-bolt nuts must be done with the suspension at curb height or incorrect clamp load may occur.
Remove and discard the 8 U-bolt nuts and the 4 U-bolts.
- To install, with the suspension at curb height, tighten the new nuts evenly in a cross-type pattern in 4 stages.
- Stage 1: Tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
- Stage 2: Tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
- Stage 3: Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
- Stage 4: Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
F-450/550 vehicles
19. NOTICE: Final tightening of the U-bolt nuts must be done with the suspension at curb height or incorrect clamp load may occur.
Remove and discard the 8 U-bolt nuts and the 4 U-bolts.
- To install, with the suspension at curb height, tighten the new nuts evenly in a cross-type pattern in 4 stages.
- Stage 1: Tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).
- Stage 2: Tighten to 200 Nm (148 lb-ft).
- Stage 3: Tighten to 300 Nm (222 lb-ft).
- Stage 4: Tighten to 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).
All vehicles
20. Lower and remove the axle assembly.
21. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
22. Make sure the axle is filled to specification.