Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Absolutely essential for safety.
* Wheel chocks: To secure the vehicle.
* Sockets and wrenches: Various sizes, including those for axle nuts, drain plug, and differential cover bolts.
* Torque wrench: Crucial for proper tightening.
* Pry bar or slide hammer: To help remove the axle.
* Seal installer and remover: Specialized tools to avoid damaging the new seal. Improper installation is a common cause of seal failure.
* Penetrating oil: To loosen rusted or stuck parts.
* Drain pan: To catch gear oil.
* New rear axle seal: Make sure you get the correct one for your axle type.
* Gear oil: The correct type and quantity for your differential.
* Shop rags or paper towels: For cleaning.
* Gloves: To protect your hands.
General Steps (This is a simplified overview. Refer to a repair manual for precise details):
1. Safety First: Secure the vehicle with jack stands and wheel chocks. Disconnect the battery's negative terminal.
2. Drain the Differential: Remove the drain plug from the differential housing and let the gear oil drain completely into your drain pan.
3. Remove the Drive Shaft: Disconnect the driveshaft from the differential. This often involves removing the driveshaft yoke.
4. Remove the Axle: This is the tricky part. You'll likely need to remove the axle retaining nut(s) and then use a slide hammer or pry bar to carefully remove the axle from the housing. Be gentle to avoid damaging the axle. Penetrating oil may be helpful.
5. Remove the Old Seal: Use a seal puller to carefully remove the old axle seal. Avoid damaging the axle housing.
6. Clean the Axle Housing: Thoroughly clean the axle housing bore where the seal sits. Any debris can damage the new seal.
7. Install the New Seal: Use a seal installer to carefully install the new seal, ensuring it's seated properly and evenly.
8. Reinstall the Axle: Carefully slide the axle back into the housing.
9. Reinstall the Drive Shaft: Connect the driveshaft to the differential.
10. Reinstall the Differential Cover: Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
11. Refill the Differential: Add the correct type and amount of gear oil.
12. Check for Leaks: After reinstalling everything, check for leaks around the seal and differential cover.
13. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
Important Considerations:
* Axle Type: The 8-inch and 9-inch Ford rear axles have differences in their construction and seal replacement procedures.
* Repair Manual: This is not a substitute for a detailed repair manual specific to your 1965 Mustang. The manual will have diagrams, torque specifications, and crucial details not included here.
* Professional Help: If you're not comfortable working on your car, consider having a professional mechanic perform this repair. Improperly installed seals can lead to more serious damage.
This is a general overview, and the specific steps and tools may vary depending on your vehicle's configuration. Always consult a repair manual before attempting this repair. Safety should be your top priority.
