Axle Assembly

Axle Assembly









Removal and Installation

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. Remove the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to Drive/Propeller Shafts, Bearings and Joints.

2. Remove the axle shafts. For additional information, refer to Axle Shaft Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 8.8-Inch Ring Gear.

3. Release the parking brake cable tension. For additional information, refer to Parking Brake System.

4. Disconnect the parking brake cables.





5. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness retainers from the axle.

NOTE: If the vent hose is disconnected from the vehicle body, a new retainer must be installed.

6. Disconnect the vent hose and remove the brake tube junction bracket bolt.
- To install, tighten to 18 Nm (159 lb-in).





7. Remove the RH parking brake cable bracket bolt.
- To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).





8. Remove the brake tube/parking brake cable bracket bolt.
- To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).





9. Disconnect the brake tube from the brake tube retaining clip.





10. Remove the 2 brake hose bracket bolts.
- To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).





11. Support the axle with a suitable transmission jack.

12. 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 2 bolts.
- To install, tighten the new nuts to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).





13. 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 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).

- Stage 2: Tighten to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).

- Stage 3: Tighten to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft).

- Stage 4: Tighten to 133Nm (98 lb-ft).





14. 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.

Lower and remove the axle assembly.

15. To install the original assembly, reverse the removal procedure.

16. Check the rear axle fluid level after installation.