Ford E7TZ-4234-B Rear Axle Shaft Assembly

Four types of Dana front-drive Axle Shafts are available for 4x4 truck applications, the Dana 44-IFS (independent front suspension) found on Bronco and F150 4x4s, the Dana 44-IFS-HD (heavy duty) available on F250 4x4s, the Dana 50-IFS which was previously available on F250 and F350 4x4s and is now an option on the F250 only, and the Dana model 60 Monobeam Axle Shaft which is standard on F350 4x4s. All IFS Axle Shafts share basic similarities with minor differences; the 44-IFS is equipped with coil front springs, while the 44-IFS-HD and 50-IFS utilize leaf front springs. The model 60 Monobeam features a solid Axle Shaft design that is mechanically identical to the model 60 rear Axle Shaft. Additionally, manual or automatic locking hubs are available as standard or optional on most Axle Shafts, and for specific inquiries, the rating plate located in the engine compartment can provide further information.

The rear axle assembly of a vehicle involves a longitudinal, thin-walled tubular housing that houses a differential and axleshafts, to support the vehicle's sprung weight by using vertical locations of the axle housings on the vehicle frame rails by means of its springs that can be coil, or a leaf spring type. Vehicles utilize two designs of rear axle assemblies: Semi-floating axleshafts and full-floating axleshafts with even more robust construction are other types of axleshafts. A full-floating axleshafts do not carry any of the vehicle mass, may be easily pulled off the tapered roller wheel bearings and are intended solely for power transmission to the rear wheels only. On the other hand, there are 'semi-floating' axleshafts which are parts of the rear wheel support system-they not only transfer power, but also carry part of the vehicle weight. In both designs hypoid gears are used with the pinion gear centre line being below that of the axleshaft centre line. Because of this, it is recommended that work on these models be restricted to specific uses, and for any repair or overhaul requirements, the axle assembly should be removed and brought to a rebuilder or exchanged with new or refurbished ones as buying individual axle parts for repair locally has become quite difficult. When replacing an axle unit, it is thus important that the unit be of the same type, as well as have the same gear ratio.

To replace the axle shafts, firstly, you have to unbolt the front wheel lug nuts, properly jack up and support the vehicle and then, unbolt the wheel and tyre. After that, remove disc brake calipers and suspend them on the frame rail of the vehicle and after that delocalize hub locks and lock nuts and lastly hub and rotor. Loosen the nuts that secure the spindle to the steering knuckle to be able to remove the spindle by going gently on it with a plastic or rawhide hammer. Disconnect the front disc brake rotor shield, and be careful because left hand axle shaft is engaged inside the front carrier assembly; some of the fluid may drip if the car is not standing vertical; put a flat tray beneath the car. Extract the left hand axle shaft through the bore on the steering knuckle while for the right hand axle shaft, remove the right front axle joint boot band, then withdraw the shaft from the boot and stub shaft through the steering knuckle. Check and renew O-rings attaching the outer ends of the axle shaft as and when necessary by first using a hammer to dismantle the old sealants, then washing the surface to ensure that no dirt is left behind, before then using the appropriate press to fix in new sealants. For installation, ensure that the rubber boot is fitted perfectly in the carrier stub shaft then slide a new outer axle shaft boot clamp on the same. Position the ears of the yoke correspondingly when assembling; insert the right axle shaft through the steering knuckle and ensure that the splines come into the right positions. Place and lock the rubber boot and clamp, then insert the left-hand axle shaft into the carrier until it is bottomed. Lastly set and refit the front disc brake rotor shield, spindle, retaining nuts, front brake rotors, bearings, locknuts and hubs, brake caliper , wheel assembly and then lower the car then finally just tighten the lug nuts in the correct manner.

From here, raise and properly secure the front of the vehicle by setting two jackstands under the radius arm brackets, take out all four wheels. Mount the brake calipers to the frame to keep the hose assembly safe while you work with the caliper. Take off the stabilizer bar from the axle houses, disconnect the steering rope ends from the wheels, and remove all parts of the coil spring system. To work on leaf spring models, free the U-bolts connected between the leaf springs and the axle housing assemblies. Unfasten the radius arms from the axle housing units for coil-sprung models, release the vent tube on the differential housing, and discard the strap connections. Pull off the vent riser and replace it with a 1/8" threaded plug to prevent dirt from getting inside. Lift up the front driveshaft where it joins the transmission, then secure its joints on each end and pull it out of the way. After placing a floor jack under the right axle arm, take off the clamps that connect the axleshaft to the stub axle, and drag the boot over the stub axle. Loosen and remove the bolt holding the right-front axle arm to the crossmember. Keep the axle well braced as you do this. Move the axle out of the vehicle by lowering it down and having the right axleshaft slide out of its connection with the stub axle slip joint. Leaving a floor jack under the differential housing to support the unit. Carefully take the bolt off that holds the left drive axle assembly to the crossmember while keeping it stable, and pull the left-hand drive axle straight off the bottom of the vehicle. You undo everything you did during the removal, then place the front axle back in its correct position. When all connections are tightened to the right torque, test your front axle's alignment with a professional.

Release the parking brake and remove the brake drum(s).

Disconnect the sensor electrical connectors at the knuckles.

The rear axle code may be found in two places on the vehicle.

Use Ford part No. ESP-M2C154-A locking differential fluid or its equivalent, and add 4 oz. of Ford part No. EST-M2C118-A friction modifier or its equivalent.

If a loss of fluid is observed, check the differential lubricant level and refill if required.

Remove the brake lines from the clips that retain them to the axle but do not disconnect any of the line fittings.