Dropping the rear axle - does anyone have any tips?

[chgovfk]

I've had these 4:10 gears on my work bench and wanted to put them in my 07 gt - but I would rather have the professionals do the actual 'gear' part -

I found a great place - the guy who told me about it said to just simply drop the rear end out and 'pick up truck' it over there - (they do like (4) four a day ) been in Biz for 30 yrs - if you get it there in the morning - it's ready the nxt day - for $125.00 - with me buying the parts - which is fine (I have them all) - the car only has 25k on it -

I've always wanted to paint the rear axle (it's the only rusty part on the whole car ) - if I disconnect the emg brake and the brake lines / d/shaft / pan bar / drop the springs - and the four bolts .....will it just drop out?

- I tried researching it - but I was wondering if anyone has performed this already? is there anything with the angle / symetery to look out for? ....I don't want to mess this up -

 

[TuneUpsNSuch]

That about covers it. In my Alldata they mention making reference marks on the control arms and the housing mounting points while the jack is supporting the vehicle by the differential. Doing this allows you to have the rear suspension in the correct position during assembly when you torque the control arm bolts. If you torque them with the rear end hanging down you will cause bushing wrapup or binding when you let the car down onto the suspension which will damage the bushings and cause some strange handling.

 

[chgovfk]

That makes sense thanks! - I have the complete 05' service manual - I was going to look through that and see what else I can pick up - I'm also thinking of doing the rear brakes since I'll have it dropped - maybe a new alum. drive shaft - but it really doesn't need it - maybe just paint both ....anyway thanks for the tip's!

 

[Scott2]

How about posting some pictures of your painted differential?

 

[chgovfk]

Will do - had to fix my wifes Volvo 1st before I take the rear end out of the mustang -

 

[chgovfk]

Replacing a head gasket on my DD 2001 ford taurus ( it's been leaking a while) - so - it may be a while on the 4:10's - might as well change both while I'm in there - I bought this car repossessed and for sale in a junk yard - it looked like someone from the ghetto had 'lived' in it - but after (3) three days of scrubbing - it looked and smelled close to new / well it looked nice - it had 79k on it - now 110K ....but for $2,200.00 it's a great buy - although I've replaced tires / brakes / battery / starter / alternator / complete A/C system ...now head gaskets ....I think they are prone to having to be replaced - anyway more to come ....................

 

[lenko]

Try this site, you do not remove brake lines, you remove and hang (with support) the brakes.
http://iihs.net/fsm/?dir=94&viewfile=Axle Housing.pdf

 

[chgovfk]

Thanks - great info !!

 

[chgovfk]

Well it's gonna happen this Saturday ......4:10's going in - instead of dropping it myself - my Ford tech friend is sneaking me into his dealership work bay - I'll try and take some good pictures - it won't be a 'write' up or anything - but he's really the best (says it's gonna be a neck 'snapper' when it's done) - I'll see what info I can pick up on - I know he's picking up some specific gear oil - I'll try and get the exact spec / and inhibitor - plus a new 'crush' bearing / says never to re-use the old one - post something nxt Monday

 

[mustangmike6996]

as posted earlier, dont remove the brake lines. just support the calipers after removing them from the axle...

 

[chgovfk]

Well It's done and wow does it make a difference - I really only drove it home - but it 'churps' second and third - and I've never used 5th gear so much - as expected the RPM's are up - but it feels and drives like a new car - it's tight.....

Photo's from this past Saturday - My buddy got me into his Ford dealership bay - Ford techs have all the special tools needed /which is awesome - still took 6 hrs -


New 'race' installed -

the FoMoCo special tools

8/9 thousandths backlash - slipped right in the 1st time - Buy the authentic Ford racing gear for your car - it works well with the existing components-

Chrome cover

 

[Scott2]

Glad the install went well, enjoy your new 4:10's!

 

[chgovfk]

Thanks !!....a little odd getting used to - but I can tell it's a great improvement - when I took the tires off - my tech friend was making 'fun' of me - the right rear tire showed excessive 'wear' - and he's like "I thought you babied this thing?" - and I'm like - yeah I DO! - ...........off to get new tires for the back - probably getting Michelin's - the car only has 25k on it - but it has been around for 5 yrs - note - Ford Credit sent my title the other day and a letter saying 'paid' in full .....!!!!! ....but of course the Ghetto ford dealership that I bought it new from misspelled my last name on it - wtf?

 

[Scott2]

Too bad you didn't know sooner that your name was misspelled, maybe you could have refused to pay because it "Is not me". LOL

 

[chgovfk]

Hahaha....yeah .....that would of rocked - but unfortunately 'Ford-credit' got my name perfectly correct ....so I was on the 'hook' -

 

[TuneUpsNSuch]

If you plan on hammering it from time to time may I recommend a bearing cap support type diff cover. They do help the diff live longer. Some people call them a "girdle" type cover. In any case, glad you got the gears now get the speedo calibrated after you put on your new tires.

 

[chgovfk]

I know what your saying - but those are mucho bucks - I hardly drive this car - it seems find - no drag strip for me w/this thing - the speedo needed no adjustment - the tires were a direct factory size replacement - I changed the gear ratio with the tuner -