CV Axle - Rear

Replacement of rear axle shafts on a 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8, including removal of drum brakes, axle bearing retainers, and installation of new axle shafts with seals and bearings.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear axle shaft (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rear axle shaft (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle bearing retainer gasket (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle bearing retainer gasket (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle seal (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle seal (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle bearing (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle bearing (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake drum retaining clips (if applicable) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• 80W-90 GL-5 rear differential fluid — 3.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground.
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under the frame rails.
5. Remove rear wheels completely.
6. Place drain pan under rear differential to catch fluid.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake drum
   Remove the brake drum from the axle hub. If drum is stuck, remove the rubber plug from the backing plate and use a brake spoon to back off the brake adjuster. If still seized, use a brake drum puller. Remove and discard any retaining clips if present.
2. 2

   Remove axle shaft retaining nuts
   Locate the 4 nuts securing the axle bearing retainer plate to the brake backing plate. Remove all 4 nuts using the appropriate socket (verify size on your axle; commonly accessed with an offset wrench through the flange holes). Keep the nuts for reinstallation. Verified detail (The socket size specification is incomplete. The 1/2 inch likely refers to the drive size, not the socket size itself. The actual nut size for the bearing retainer nuts on Ford 9-inch axles is typically 1/2 inch or 9/16 inch across flats.): Remove all 4 nuts using a socket (typically 1/2 inch or 9/16 inch, depending on application).
3. 3

   Extract axle shaft assembly
   Attach slide hammer with axle puller adapter to the axle flange bolt holes. Use the slide hammer to pull the axle shaft out of the axle housing. The axle shaft will come out with the bearing retainer plate, bearing, and seal attached. Be prepared for differential fluid to drain from the axle tube once the shaft is removed.
4. 4

   Remove bearing retainer and bearing from old axle
   If reusing the bearing retainer plate, use a grinder or chisel to cut through the bearing retainer ring on the axle shaft, being careful not to damage the retainer plate. Press or drive the old bearing off the axle shaft. Remove the old seal from the bearing retainer plate using a seal puller or screwdriver. Clean the retainer plate thoroughly with brake cleaner.
5. 5

   Inspect axle housing and bearing surfaces
   Clean the axle tube end and bearing seat area inside the housing with brake cleaner and a wire brush. Inspect for scoring, pitting, or damage. Check the differential side gear splines for wear or damage. Clean the brake backing plate mounting surface and remove old gasket material with a gasket scraper.
6. 6

   Install new bearing and seal on new axle shaft
   Press or drive the new bearing onto the new axle shaft until it seats against the bearing shoulder on the shaft. Install the bearing retainer plate over the axle shaft with the correct orientation (gasket side facing out). Press or drive the new seal into the bearing retainer plate with the seal lip facing toward the bearing. Apply a thin coat of differential fluid to the seal lip.
7. 7

   Install new axle shaft assembly
   Place a new bearing retainer gasket on the backing plate studs. Carefully slide the new axle shaft assembly into the axle housing, aligning the splines with the differential side gear. Push the shaft in until the bearing retainer plate is flush against the backing plate. Rotate the axle shaft if needed to engage the splines fully.
8. 8

   Secure bearing retainer plate
   Install the 4 retaining nuts onto the backing plate studs and tighten in a crisscross pattern. Torque nuts to 20-40 ft-lbs (consult factory service manual for exact specification). Verify the axle shaft is fully seated and the retainer plate is flush against the backing plate.
9. 9

   Repeat for opposite side
   Perform steps 1 through 8 for the opposite side axle shaft. Ensure both axle shafts are fully installed and secured before proceeding.
10. 10

    Refill rear differential
    Locate the differential fill plug on the rear axle housing. Remove the fill plug and add 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil until fluid reaches the bottom of the fill hole (approximately 3.5 pints / 1.75 quarts total capacity). If the axle is a Traction-Lok limited-slip unit, add the required friction modifier. Reinstall and tighten the fill plug securely.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake drums and wheels
    Reinstall brake drums onto both axle hubs. If brake shoes were backed off, adjust them by rotating the adjuster star wheel until the drum drags slightly, then back off until the drum rotates freely. Reinstall wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Lower vehicle off jack stands to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to 100-140 ft-lbs in a star pattern (consult owner's manual or door jamb sticker for exact specification). Remove wheel chocks. Verified detail (Exact torque specification for 1972 Ford F-100 wheel lug nuts): 103.0 lb-ft (140.0 Nm)

Reassembly

1. Ensure both axle shafts are fully seated with no axial play.
2. Verify brake drums rotate freely without binding or excessive drag.
3. Check for any differential fluid leaks around the bearing retainer plates after initial test drive.

Verification

• Start vehicle and verify no unusual noises from rear axle.
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify smooth operation with no vibration or clicking sounds.
• Check rear differential fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary.
• Verify no fluid leaks at axle seals after test drive.
• Test brakes to ensure proper adjustment and function.

More procedures for this vehicle