Front Drive Axle and Differential

Front Drive Axle and Differential
The front axle assembly contains the following:
^ A full float axle design with turning capabilities
^ An integral-type housing hypoid gear design
^ The hypoid differential ring gear and pinion consists of a 194 mm (7.63 inch) ring gear and an overhung drive pinion, which is supported by 2 opposed tapered roller bearings
^ Pinion bearing preload is maintained by a drive pinion collapsible spacer on the differential pinion shaft and adjusted by the pinion nut
^ The axle housing assembly is cast aluminum with a stamped differential housing cover
^ The assembly is mounted to the vehicle through 3 rubber isolators
^ The differential housing cover uses silicone sealant as a gasket
^ The differential pinion shaft is retained by a differential pinion shaft lock pin assembled to the differential case
^ The differential case is mounted in the rear axle housing between 2 opposing differential bearings that are retained in the rear axle housing by removable bearing caps
^ Motorcraft 80W-90 Premium Rear Axle Lubricant XY-80W90-QL or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C197-A is used in this assembly
^ Differential bearing preload and ring gear backlash are adjusted by differential bearing shims located between the differential housing and the differential bearings
^ Front axle identification is on a mylar tag attached to differential housing

The front drive axle receives rotational torque from the front driveshaft. The direction of the rotation determines movement of the vehicle. The rotation enters the front drive axle through the drive pinion flange, turning the drive pinion and rotating the ring gear. The ring gear is bolted to the differential case. The differential case houses the pinion shaft upon which the differential pinion gears ride. The pinion gears are in mesh with the differential side gears with splined axle shafts. It is the unique arrangement of the differential that allows the axle shafts to be driven at different speed when needed, such as when driving around corners.