Removing Axle Shafts before Towing
1. Shift the main differential to the unlocked (disengaged) position; the
differential lock light turns off.
2. Remove the capscrews and washers or stud nuts and washers from
flanges of both axle shafts.
3. Loosen the tapered dowels in the flanges of both axle shafts by
holding a 1
1
⁄
2
inch diameter brass drift or hammer against the axle
shaft center and hitting it with a five or six pound hammer.
Note:
Do
not use a chisel or wedge to loosen the axle shafts and dowels. Use
of a chisel or wedge can damage the hub, axle shafts and oil seals.
4. Remove the tapered dowels and both axle shafts from the axle
assembly.
5. Assemble a cover over openings of both wheel ends to prevent loss of
lubricant and keep dirt away from the wheel bearing cavities.
Note:
One of the axle shafts has two sets of splines. One set to engage
with the differential side gear and one set to engage with the shift collar
for the differential lock. It may be necessary to rotate the shaft slightly
to align the gear spline teeth with the shift collar teeth in order to
remove the axle shaft.
Installing the Axle Shafts
1. Remove the covers from the wheel ends.
2. Shift the differential lock to the unlocked (disengaged) position.
3. Install the axle shafts.
•
Place the gaskets on the wheel hub studs.
•
Push the right-hand axle shaft and gasket into the wheel end and
housing until the shaft stops against the differential shift collar.
•
Push down and in on the axle shaft flange and rotate the shaft
until the splines of the shaft and shift collar are engaged.
•
Push the axle shaft further into the housing until the shaft stops
against the differential side gear.
•
Push down on the axle shaft flange and rotate the shaft until the
splines of the shaft and side gear are engaged.
•
Push the axle shaft completely into the housing until the axle
shaft flange and the gasket are flush against the wheel hub.
•
Install the left-hand axle shaft and gasket into the wheel end.
4. If tapered dowels are required, install them at each stud and into the
flange of the axle shaft. Use a punch or drift and hammer, if needed.
5. Install the fasteners and tighten to correct torque value. See the
Workshop Manual.
Towing
181
2013 F-650/750
(f67)
Owners Guide gf, 2nd Printing, March 2013
USA
(fus)