Hi folks,

Removed the pinion to get the axle out to replace an axle seal and bearing, and didn't know that the gears in the pumpkin shouldn't be allowed to move. The passenger axle, pinion, and the two smaller idler cogs in the pumpkin are all out.

What's the big deal about it not moving? All the parts inside rotate at various speeds when turning anyway.

Now that I didn't mark anything and allowed the gears to move without the pinion installed, what should I do about getting it back together? I'd like to get it back together tonight.

It's a '98 2wd Expedition EB with over 200,000 miles. 5.4L with 12-bolt rear.

 

I'm not sure what you're calling "the pinion", but the pinion is the shaft that the driveshaft connects to and it does not have to come off to remove an axle.

As to anything rotating, I don't know where you heard that but it doesn't matter if things rotate.

 

The reason to not move it is to keep the spider gears from falling out. If they come out, they can be a real PITA to get back in. It doesn't do any damage.

 

Thanks. You're right mrjones, I think it was just to keep the gears from falling out. Too late for me but it wasn't bad to get back together. Still, would've been easier if I didn't let it fall apart. The Haynes manual worded it strange, like the gears shouldn't rotate, but I'm finding that Haynes manual much to be desired.