Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints: Description and Operation

Disassemble View Of Ford Integral Carrier Type Rear Axle Assembly W/C-lock Type Axle Retention:

The gear set consists of a ring gear and an overhung drive pinion which is supported by two opposed tapered roller bearings. Pinion bearing preload is maintained by a collapsible spacer on the pinion shaft and adjusted by the pinion nut. The differential case is a one piece design with two openings to allow assembly of internal components and lubricant flow. The pinion shaft is retained with a threaded bolt assembled to the case. The differential case is mounted in the carrier between two opposed tapered roller bearings. The bearings are retained in the carrier by removable bearing caps. Differential bearing preload and ring gear backlash are adjusted by the use of shims located between the differential bearing cups and the carrier housing.

Axle Shaft C-Lock:

Axle shafts are held in the housing by C-locks positioned in a slot on the axle shaft splined end.