How to Remove the Front Axle From an '83 F-150

"Built Ford tough." This iconic slogan may have debuted in 1979, but it's been a philosophy at the Blue Oval since Henry rolled those first mass-produced cars off the line. And it was a business model held true for decades, included, but not ending with, the 1983 model year. But, if you're driving your old 4WD the way you should be, then oddds are good that you're going to break something sooner or later. And when that happens, it's time to tear out the old and install something stronger.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the truck with your floor jack, and place your jack stands under the front radius arm brackets on the chassis. Once you have the truck up in the air, go undder the differential, remove the drain plug and drain it into a pan.

2

Remove the front wheels, and unbolt and remove the disc brake calipers. After removal, hang the calipers from the chassis using thick wire; don't just allow the calipers to dangle from the brake lines.

3

Support the axle with a jack under the differential. After supporting the axle, remove the upper coil spring retainers, and carefully lower the axle. With the spring retainers removed, the coil springs will some out easily; remove them, as well as the spring cushions and the lower spring seats.

4

Unbolt the shock absorbers from the axles, and remove the differential vent fitting from the differential housing. You're supposed to install a pipe plug to close the hole, but a large bolt or rag stuffed in the hole will suffice. Now, remove the stud and springs seat from the radius arm, then the lower radius arm attaching bolt.

5

Remove the pivot bolt that secures right axle arm to the crossmember. Remove the right axle-shaft boot, and discard the boot clamps; you can't re-use them, if you decide to re-use this axle. Unbolt the steering end-links, and remove the differential retaining bolts. At this point, the entire axle and steering-knuckle assembly should come out as a unit.