Section 05-00: Axle and Driveshaft, Service | 1996 F-150, F-250, F-350 4x2 and 4x4, F-Super Duty and Bronco Workshop Manual |
Three rear axles (4001) are available:
Driving Axle (Rear on 2WD and Front and Rear on 4WD)
The axle drive pinion receives its power from the engine (6007) through the transmission (7003) on 2WD and through the transfer case on 4WD vehicles. The hypoid pinion gear rotates the differential case (4204) through engagement with the ring gear, which is bolted to the case outer flange. Inside the differential case, two differential pinion gears (4215) are mounted on the differential pinion shaft (4211), which is pinned with a lock bolt to the differential case. These pinion gears are engaged with the differential side gears (4236) to which the axle shafts (4234) are splined. Therefore, as the differential case turns, it rotates the axle shafts and wheels. When it is necessary for one wheel and axle shaft to rotate faster than the other, the faster turning side gear causes the differential pinions to roll on the slower turning differential side gear to allow differential action between the two axle shafts.