Ford F150 Pickup. Instruction - part 553

Fig. 7: Material Specification 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

Removal 

All Vehicles 

1. Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to JACKING & HOISTING .  

2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to WHEELS & TIRES . 

3. Remove the differential housing cover. 

1. Remove the 10 differential housing cover bolts and drain the lubricant from the rear axle housing.  

2. Remove the differential housing cover.  

Vehicles With Drum Brakes 

NOTE:

Empty the lubricant into a clean container for reuse.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 8.8-Inch Ring Gear - F150 Pickup

  

4. Remove the rear brake drums. For additional information, refer to DISC & DRUM article. 

Vehicles With Disc Brakes 

5. Remove the rear disc brake caliper. For additional information, refer to DISC & DRUM article. 

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Wire the rear disc brake caliper aside.  

6. Remove the rear brake disc. 

Fig. 8: Removing Rear Brake Disc 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

All Vehicles 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 8.8-Inch Ring Gear - F150 Pickup

  

7. Remove the differential pinion shaft. 

1. Remove and discard the differential pinion shaft lock bolt.  

2. Remove the differential pinion shaft.  

Fig. 9: Removing Differential Pinion Shaft 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

CAUTION: Do not damage the rubber O-rings in the axle shaft grooves.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 8.8-Inch Ring Gear - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 10: Removing U-Washers 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

8. Remove the U-washers. 

1. Push the axle shafts.  

2. Remove the U-washers.  

CAUTION: Do not damage the wheel bearing oil seal.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 8.8-Inch Ring Gear - F150 Pickup