Driveline System - General Diagnosis
Driveline SystemThe source of the drivetrain's power is generated by the engine and delivered to the transmission. The driveline transfers the engine torque through the driveshaft to the rear axle.
The driveshaft is connected to the output shaft of the transmission and to the rear axle. Universal joints are used at both ends of the driveshaft to allow for angular motions. Slip yokes are used to allow for any changes to the length of the driveshaft. The engine torque enters the axle through the drive pinion, which rotates the ring gear. The ring gear is mounted to the differential case, which contains the gears that transmit power to the rear axle shafts. These shafts rotate the drive wheels. Available axles are as follows:
^ Conventional rear axle-Ford 7.5 inch ring gear
^ Conventional rear axle-Ford 8.8 inch rear axle
^ Limited slip rear axle-Ford 8.8 inch rear axle
The engine angle is built into the engine mounts. If the engine angle is out of specification, the engine mounts must be inspected for damage.
The vehicle certification (VC) label is located in the driver doorjamb. The axle code is on the VC label.
Vehicle Certification (VC) Label Example
Rear Axle Identification Tag
Axle Identification Tag Denoting Interchangeability Affected Internally
The plant code denotes a particular axle design and specific ratio. In addition, the plant code will not change as long as that particular axle assembly never undergoes an external design change. If, however, an internal design change takes place during the production life of the axle and that internal change affects parts interchangeability, a dash and numerical suffix is added to the plant code. This means that as an assembly both axles are interchangeable; however, internally they are different. Therefore, each requires different internal parts at the time of repair.