The Ford 9-inch rear axle is no longer produced but remains one of the most modified and desired axles for high-performance applications. The popularity of the Ford 9-inch arises from its high strength to weight ratio; that is, it is reasonably light and very strong. It derives its strength from the use of an additional bearing at the rear of the pinion gear. The 9-inch rear axle uses semi-floating rear axles and a removable modular differential carrier assembly that houses all the gears. The Ford 9-inch is truly versatile and can be modified to handle most any amount of horsepower.
Park the vehicle on level ground and place wheel chocks in front of the front tires.
Loosen the lug nuts on both rear wheels. Lift the rear of the vehicle with a jack and support with jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and wheels. Pull off the brake drums.
Look at the axle flange that the wheel studs are attached to. It has a hole in it. Look behind the axle flange. You will see a square retainer plate with four nuts attached to bolts. Turn the axle and line up the hole with one of the nuts. Use a ratchet and socket to remove the nut. Repeat for the other three nuts.
Pull the axle shaft straight out of the housing. The retainer plate will come with it. Repeat this process for the other axle. Put a piece of tape on the axles, and mark them to identify passenger and driver's side.
Use a wrench to remove the nuts from the two u-bolts that hold the rear u-joint to the pinion yoke. Remove the u-bolts. Pull the u-joint out of the pinion yoke, and set the u-joint and driveshaft to the side. Wrap some tape around the two u-joint caps so they don't fall off.
Place a drain pan under the carrier assembly. Remove the nuts and washers from around the carrier.
Use a rubber mallet to hit the carrier to break it loose from the axle housing. If necessary, insert a flat screwdriver between the carrier and housing to help get the carrier loose. When it comes loose, allow the gear oil to drain into the drain pan. After the gear oil drains, have an assistant join you to finish pulling the carrier off the studs.
