Axle Housing: Removal

WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch located in the RH kick panel area. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations. For additional information, refer to VEHICLE DYNAMIC SUSPENSION - CROWN VICTORIA & GRAND MARQUIS .

Raise and support the vehicle.
Mark the driveshaft flange and the pinion flange for correct alignment during installation.

Fig 1: Identifying Driveshaft Flange & Pinion Flange Alignment Marks
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the four driveshaft retainer bolts and disconnect the driveshaft (4602).

Fig 2: Identifying Driveshaft Retainer Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the yoke from the flange. Pry only in the area shown with a suitable tool to disconnect the yoke from the flange.

Fig 3: Removing Driveshaft Centering Socket Yoke From Rear Axle Pinion Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the rear axle pinion flange.
Remove the axle shafts. For additional information, refer to AXLE SHAFT .
- Wire the caliper out of the way.
Remove the parking brake rear cable and conduit (2A635) from the parking brake cable equalizer (2A602).
- Reroute the parking brake rear cable and conduit out of the way.
- Repeat for the other side.
Fig 4: Identifying Parking Brake Rear Cable & Conduit
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the anti-lock brake sensors. For additional information, refer to SENSOR -- ANTI-LOCK BRAKE, REAR .
- Reroute the anti-lock brake sensor wiring.
Fig 5: Identifying Anti-Lock Brake Sensor Wiring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the rear stabilizer bar (5A772) from the rear stabilizer bar link and bushing (5C488).

Fig 6: Identifying Rear Stabilizer Bar, Rear Stabilizer Bar Link & Bushing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the rear stabilizer bar bracket bolts, the rear stabilizer bar brackets (5486) and the rear stabilizer bar.

Fig 7: Identifying Rear Stabilizer Bar Bracket Bolts, Rear Stabilizer Bar Brackets & Rear Stabilizer Bar
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If equipped with rear air springs, remove the height sensor.

Fig 8: Identifying Height Sensor
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Take care not to damage the threads on the bellcrank stud.

Fig 9: Identifying Bellcrank Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Separate the Watts linkage from the rear axle housing (4010).
- Remove the retainer nut from the bellcrank stud.

WARNING: Use additional support straps to secure the rear axle to the jack.

Fig 10: Identifying Transmission Jack

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Support the rear axle housing with a suitable jack.
Remove the shock absorber lower retainer nuts and remove the shock absorbers from the retainer brackets.

Fig 11: Identifying Shock Absorber Lower Retainer Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the nuts and bolts retaining the LH and RH lower control arms.

Fig 12: Identifying Lower Control Arm Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the nuts and bolts retaining the LH and RH upper control arms.

Fig 13: Identifying Upper Control Arm Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Unseat the air springs and lower the rear axle from the vehicle.