Gary's rear axle housing was...
Gary's rear axle housing was too badly pitted to be salvaged for a historic show car. However, it did have good internals. Thankfully, we were able to salvage the ring and pinion.
We're heading down the home stretch on the driveline for Gary Schweitzer's '65 World's Fair Magic Skyway Mustang convertible. We've rebuilt his 200ci six and C4 Cruise-O-Matic, so this month, we head to Mustangs Etc. for the rear axle portion of Gary's driveline renewal. Gary's 7 1/4-inch axle housing was so badly rusted and pitted from Michigan winter road salt that it could not be restored. That's when Garrett Marks of Mustangs Etc. came to our rescue with a rust-free California core.
Technician Mike O'Brian of Mustangs Etc. gave our six-cylinder rear end his close attention, right down to rebuilding the original Ford wheel cylinders with 1/4-inch bleeders for authenticity. National Parts Depot set us up with everything vital to this rebuild-bearings, seals, and all brake parts.
When Garrett Marks unearthed...
When Garrett Marks unearthed a good, rust-free axle housing from his inventory, it fortunately had the correct wheel cylinders with 1/4-inch bleeders.
The Ford 7 1/4-inch rear axle is the most forgotten axle in the industry because so little is available for them. Particularly hard to find are the ring-and-pinion gear sets. Gary's 2.83:1 gears were in excellent condition. Most are not. This means you must search for new-old-stock or excellent used to get you going again.
The pan comes off first, which...
The pan comes off first, which drains all the fluid. Note the dirty fluid because no one ever changes rear axle lube. For long service, differential fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles along with transmission fluid/filter service. Fluid level should be checked every time you change engine oil.
Deep well 9/16-inch socket...
Deep well 9/16-inch socket removes four axle flange nuts on each side.....
....Axles sometimes come out...
....Axles sometimes come out by hand and they sometimes require a slide hammer.
Carrier bearing caps are removed...
Carrier bearing caps are removed next using an 11/16-inch socket.
The ring gear/differential...
The ring gear/differential package is removed next. Gil Roiz suggests marking bearing caps left and right because both must go back in the same positions.
Pinion flange is removed next...
Pinion flange is removed next to free up the pinion gear, crush sleeve, and bearings.
All bearings and races must...
All bearings and races must be replaced. This bearing race is obviously worse for wear.
Bearings are pressed on in...
Bearings are pressed on in all locations. Here, Gil removes the pinion bearing. Carrier bearings are pressed off the same way.
The ring gear is removed using...
The ring gear is removed using a 5/8-inch socket.