Front Drive Axle/Differential - Dana 30

Front Drive Axle and Differential

The front axle assembly contains the following:

- Full float axle design with turning capabilities
- Integral-type housing hypoid gear design
- Hypoid differential ring gear and pinion that consists of a 180.98 mm (7.125 in) 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 that is on the differential pinion shaft and adjusted by the pinion nut
- Axle housing assembly that is cast aluminum with a stamped differential housing cover
- Assembly that is mounted to the vehicle through 3 rubber isolators
- Differential housing cover that uses silicone sealant as a gasket
- Differential pinion shaft that is retained by a differential pinion shaft lock pin assembled to the differential case
- Differential case that 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 that are located between the differential housing and the differential bearings
- Front axle identification that is on an 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.