axle

if this axle has never been apart since the factory check for a metal gasket located between the backing plate and the housing. Ford used these to prevent leaks in assembly . punch out the 4 retainer plate bolts and pull the backing plate forward and take a pair of side cutters and cut this gasket out. axle should come out easily . this gasket DOES NOT have to be replaced. clean the housing end bore and lube it lightly as well as the bearing when reassembling.