Ford E7UZ-4234-E Rear Axle Shaft Assembly

To remove the Ford 10.25 inch, 8.8 inch, and Dana (ball bearing type) axle, first raise the rear of the vehicle and secure it on jackstands, then remove the wheel(s). Release the parking brake and take off the brake drum(s), followed by draining the rear axle lubricant into a suitable container by removing the rear axle housing cover and discarding the gasket if still in place. Next, remove the differential pinion shaft lockpin, ensuring to use a large screwdriver to prevent the differential case from turning. Be aware that some Dana semi-floating axles may have lockpins treated with Loctite or with torque-prevailing threads; the former cannot be reused, while the latter can be reused up to four times. Lift out the differential pinion shaft to access the axleshaft C-locks, then push the flanged end of the axleshaft toward the center of the vehicle to remove the C-lock, taking care not to lose or damage the rubber O-ring. Pull the axleshaft from the housing without damaging the oil seals. For installation, reverse the removal procedure, ensuring not to damage the axle seal during the axleshaft reinstallation. Apply a thread locking compound to a new pinion shaft lockpin and tighten it to the specified torque. Most axle housing covers use RTV sealant instead of a gasket; clean the machined surfaces before applying a continuous bead of sealant and install the cover within 15 minutes, tightening the bolts in a criss-cross pattern to the specified torque. After reinstalling the brake drum(s) and wheel(s), fill the rear axle with lubricant, remove the jackstands, lower the vehicle, and check for leaks during a test drive. For the early model Ford 9.0 inch axle assembly (tapered bearing type), follow the initial steps to remove the wheel(s) and loosen the axleshaft retaining nuts using a socket and extension through the outer axle flange. Remove the axleshaft by pulling on the flange, using the wheel assembly for leverage if necessary, while ensuring not to damage the seal, which should be replaced whenever an axle is removed. Secure the brake backing plate to the housing with one nut during the process. For installation, reverse the removal steps, using a new gasket between the brake backing plate and axle housing flange, and tighten the axleshaft retaining nuts to the specified torque. Finally, install the wheel(s), check the differential lubricant level, fill if necessary, lower the vehicle, and test drive while checking for fluid leaks.

Unscrew and remove the bolts attaching the axleshaft flange to the hub without the need to remove the wheel or jack up the vehicle. Tap the flange with a soft-faced hammer to loosen the shaft, then grip the rib of the flange with locking pliers, twisting the shaft slightly in both directions to withdraw it from the axle tube. Installation is the reverse of removal; hold the axleshaft level to engage the splines at its inner end with those in the differential side gear. Always use a new gasket or O-ring on the flange and ensure both the flange and hub mating surfaces are free of grease and oil. Use new bolts and lock washers, and consider a thread locking compound. Final tightening of the axleshaft retaining bolts should occur after the wheel lug nuts have been tightened if the wheel was removed. If a loss of fluid is observed, check the differential lubricant level and refill if necessary. Test drive the vehicle and check for leaks.

Full-floating axleshafts do not bear any of the vehicle's weight, can be removed independently of the tapered roller wheel bearings, and are designed only to transfer power to the rear wheels. Semi-floating axleshafts are an integral part of the rear wheel support system, bearing vehicle weight as well as transferring power to the rear wheels.

The Dana 50-IFS was available on F250 and F350 4x4s and is now an option on the F250 only.

Raise the vehicle and support it by placing jackstands under the frame members.

Remove the disc brake calipers and support the caliper on the vehicle's frame rail.

The code appears as a number or letter/number combination in the "Axle" column of the label.

Use a suction gun through the fill hole to remove the fluid.

Disconnect the vent tube and discard the hose clamps.

Support the weight of the axle on a floor jack and remove the nuts from the spring U-bolts. Remove the bottom clamping plates.