Ford Ranger Maintaince And Repair Manual page 834

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support the vehicle safely.
3. Matchmark and disconnect the driveshaft at the axle.
4. Remove the wheels and brake drums.
5. Disengage the brake line from the clips that retain the line to the housing.
6. Disconnect the vent tube from the housing.
7. Remove the axle shafts.
8. Remove the brake backing plate from the housing and support them with wire. Do not disconnect the
brake line.
9. If the rear lower shock absorber mounts are integral to the axle housing, disconnect each shock from
the mounting bracket.
10. Lower the axle slightly to reduce some of the spring tension. At each rear spring, remove the spring
clip (U−bolt) nuts, spring clips and spring seat caps.
11. If the axle housing is mounted on top of the springs, proceed as follows:
1. Slide the axle housing to the right−side and lower the left−side axle tube end until it clears the
leaf spring.
2. Slide the axle housing to the left−side until the right−side axle tube end will clear the leaf
spring.
12. Lower the axle housing and remove it from under the vehicle.
To install:
13. Position the axle housing to the rear springs. Install the spring clips (U−bolts), spring seat clamps and
nuts. Tighten the spring clamps evenly to 115 ft. lbs.
14. If a new axle housing is being installed, remove the bolts that attach the brake backing plate and
bearing retainer from the old housing flanges. Position the bolts in the new housing flanges to hold the
brake backing plates in position. Torque the bolts to 40 ft. lbs.
15. Install the axle shafts.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
Example of the over−spring mounted axle assembly
Click to enlarge
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