Well I finally tore apart my passenger side brake to see what was wrong with it. Turns out there's no friction when it's full of lubricating fluid. Imagine that...

Here's some pictures.









Any suggestions on how to fix, or even what exactly needs fixed? I've never had to do anything to an axle before so I find myself needing some help on getting started.

Oh, and the axle code is I9 (or 19) which is 9" open I believe.

 

Your axle seal is leaking. How many miles are on it? You are probably going to need a bearing repair kit as well.

The axle shaft itself rides on a bearing in the end of the axle tube. After a lot of miles, the shaft wears and gets pitted. This causes the seal to get damaged and leak. A bearing repair kit moves the bearing to a different part of the axle so you get a good seal.

You're going to have to remove the axle though. To do this you will have to remove the differential cover and remove the crosspin from the differential. Once the crosspin is out, push the axle inboard and remove the c-clip in the end. Then the shaft just slides out. Stand it on end when you remove it. Don't lay it on the ground. If it gets bent even a little it's ruined. They have tremendous rotational strength but not a lot of side to side strength.

If you don't have a Haynes or Chiltons manual this would be a good time to get one as it comes with pictures and detailed descriptions of all the steps.

On a scale of 1 to 10, this repair is only about a 4 so it's pretty tough to get in over your head.

Edit: you have an 8.8" axle. I don't know where you got the information that a 19 axle code is a 9" but it's wrong.

Also, be very careful when removing the bolt that holds the crosspin in place. If you snap the bolt you are in a heap of trouble.

 

Thanks, I'll borrow my girlfriend's Haynes manual then. Doesn't sound too bad. I'll start looking for a kit. Any recommendations out there for a bearing repair kit?

I read somewhere on here that it was a 9" which made me wonder what the 8.8" came in. Thanks for clearing that up.

 

Try to get a Timken bearing. They are very high quality.

The 9" was offered up until 1986. They started using the 8.8" in 1983 and it's still used today, including in some front axle 4x4 applications.

 

19- Ford axle 8.8 3.55 ratio

and yea what andym said

 

I found this write up...
http://www.webwheeling.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=10401

Anyone have anything to add to it? I've heard mention of the crosspin bolt being locktite'd, does it need to have new locktite applied when reinstalled?

 

Looks like a good write-up. Very accurate and good pics. I would skip the locktite and just make sure it's snugged down good.