The rear axle on a Ford Mustang turns the rear wheels. This axle has many different internal components that can be damaged in the course of driving, and could render the vehicle unable to drive. If the axle is having problems, then one easy way to access the internal components is to remove the axle from the car, so you can easily work around the entire assembly.
Put the transmission into the neutral position. Put wheel chocks around the front wheels of the Mustang, then lift up the rear end with the jack. Put jack stands beneath the chassis and the rear axle, then lower the jack. Unbolt the rear wheels with the tire iron and pull them off of the axle.
Unbolt the sway bar bracket from the frame with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Unbolt the track bar cover from the rear end using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then pull it off of the axle. Unbolt the track bar from the suspension with the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket and an open-end wrench.
Put the jack underneath the center of the rear axle. Lift up the jack so that it's supporting the rear end but not lifting up the back of the Mustang. Unbolt the upper control arm from the rear suspension using the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket and an open-end wrench. Unbolt the lower shock absorber mounts from the axle using an open-end wrench and the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket.
Lift up the axle with the jack so the axle is off of the jack stands. Pull the jack stands out from underneath the axle, then lower the jack so the tension is released from the springs. Pull the springs out of the rear suspension.
Unbolt the trailing arms from the axle using the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket and an open-end wrench. Disconnect the rear brake line from the axle using a line wrench. Disconnect the driveline from the axle using an open-end wrench. Lower the axle with the jack and then pull the axle out and away from the underside of the Mustang.
