Ford 5L1Z-4K138-A Shaft Assembly

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After disconnecting other components, pull the steering knuckle outward while pushing inward on the driveaxle and use a special tool to pull the inner driveaxle CV joint away from the differential.

The first step in the installation process is to reverse the removal steps, starting with inserting the axleshaft.

Remove the front carrier bushing bolts.

Lift the rear of the vehicle securely with jackstands under the frame.

In 4WD models, there is a fully independent front axle assembly.

Remove the front carrier bushing bolts.

For these models, you should also disconnect the rear axle track bar, remove the rubber jounce bumper, disconnect suspension upper and lower arms, and disconnect the lower shock absorbers.

You should disconnect the vacuum tube(s) at the rear of the IWE (Integrated Wheel End) hub, remove the IWE retainer-to-knuckle bolts, and disconnect the tie-rod end and upper ball joint from the steering knuckle.

The rear axle assembly in most models is a hypoid, semi-floating type with a differential that allows for different wheel speeds during cornering. The axleshafts are splined to the differential side gears, facilitating this function. On 4WD models, there's a fully independent front axle assembly with driveaxles featuring inner and outer constant velocity (CV) joints. The differential is offset to the left, requiring a longer axleshaft on the right side to maintain equal lengths. An optional locking limited-slip rear axle is also available, enhancing traction by equalizing wheel rotational speeds when one loses traction. When diagnosing axle issues, it's crucial to consider other potential causes such as road and tire noise, as these can mimic mechanical problems. Engine and transmission noise can also affect axle diagnosis. Overhauling the differential typically requires special tools and is best left to professionals. To identify the axle for replacement, the axle identification tag usually located on the differential cover or the inner end of the right axle tube, which provides essential information about the axle's design, ratio, and other specifications.

The manufacturer recommends using a new pinion shaft lock bolt for installation. However, if one is not available, you should coat the threads with a non-hardening thread locking compound.