Ranger 2WD V6-171 2.8L (1983)
Differential Axle Housing: Service and Repair
7 1/2 Inch Ring Gear Axle
Fig. 2 Disassembled view of Ford 7 1/2 inch ring gear axle
DESCRIPTION
This axle can be identified by the 10 cover bolts.
The gear set, Fig. 2, consists of a ring gear and an overhung drive pinion which is supported by two opposed tapered roller bearings. The differential
case is a one-piece design with openings allowing assembly of the internal parts and lubricant flow. The differential pinion shaft is retained with a
threaded bolt (lock) assembled to the case.
The roller type wheel bearings have no inner race, and the rollers directly contact the bearing journals of the axle shafts. The axle shafts do not use an
inner and outer bearing retainer. Rather, they are held in the axle by means of C-locks. These C-locks also fit into a machined recess in the differential
side gears within the differential case. There is no retainer bolt access hole in the axle shaft flange.
REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY, REPLACE
1.
Raise vehicle and support at rear frame members.
2.
Remove rear wheels and brake drums.
3.
Drain rear axle lubricant by removing housing cover.
4.
Remove axle shafts as described under ``Axle Shafts, Seals & Bearings, Replace.''
5.
Remove 4 retaining nuts from each backing plate and wire the plates aside.
6.
Disconnect rear axle housing vent.
7.
Disconnect brake line from retaining clips on axle housing.
8.
Remove hydraulic brake T-fitting from axle housing.
9.
Mark driveshaft and axle flange for assembly reference, then disconnect shaft from flange.
10.
Support axle with a suitable jack, then remove U-bolt nuts, U-bolts and plates.
