AXLE RATIO & IDENTIFICATION
A metal tag stamped with axle model, build date, gear ratio, ring gear diameter and assembly plant code is mounted under housing cover-to-carrier top cap screw. (Scheme 9)
Ford Motor Co. Vehicle Identification Label, attached to left front door lock panel or pillar post, also contains axle identification code. From this label, axle identification code can be found in the column marked "AX". Using axle identification code, axle ratio may be determined. See AXLE RATIO IDENTIFICATION table.
Scheme 9
| Standard Differential Code | Traction-Lok Code | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | M | 2.73:1 |
| Y | Z | 3.08:1 |
| F | R | 3.45:1 |
| 5 | E | 3.27:1 |
| 6 | W | 3.73:1 |
| 2 | K | 3.55:1 |
AXLE RATIO IDENTIFICATION
DESCRIPTION
Note. For Traction-Lok service information, see DIFFERENTIALS - POSITIVE TRACTION article.
Rear axle is an integral housing hypoid gear design with pinion center line set below ring gear center line. Gear set consists of a 7.5" or 8.8" diameter ring gear and a drive pinion supported by 2 opposed tapered roller bearings. Pinion bearing preload is maintained by a collapsible spacer on the pinion shaft and is adjusted by the pinion nut. Housing consists of a cast iron center section and a cast aluminum rear cover.
Differential case is a one-piece design with two openings to allow for assembly of internal components and lubricant flow. Differential case assembly is mounted in the carrier, between 2 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 shims located between bearing cup races and carrier housing.
The axle shaft consists of an inboard CV joint, an interconnecting shaft and an outboard CV joint. Axle shafts are held in the differential housing by a circlip, located end of shaft on the inboard CV joint. When axle shaft is installed, circlip engages in the differential side gear.
A Traction-Lok axle assembly can be installed with 7.5" or 8.8" diameter ring gear. Except for the differential case and its internal components, the Traction-Lok axle is identical to the conventional axle.
The Traction-Lok differential uses 2 sets of multiple disc clutches to control differential action. The side gear mounting distance is controlled by 7 plates: 3 steel, 4 friction and one steel shim of select size to control side gear position.
Note. For Traction-Lok service information, see DIFFERENTIALS - POSITIVE TRACTION article in DRIVE AXLES.