Cardone 66-2023 CV Axle Assembly - Rear Left or Rear Right

Rear CV Axle Assembly for Thunderbird and Cougar

Cardone 66-2023 is a new rear CV axle assembly engineered for select Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar applications. It is built for rear left and rear right positions on covered vehicles, with fitment spanning 1989-1997 models depending on configuration.

Cardone’s CV axle engineering focuses on the failure points that commonly affect driveline service life. This assembly uses a neoprene boot design with added bellows where needed, a precision-verified shaft for straightness, and a sealed joint package built for smooth, vibration-free operation.

Key Features

• Part number 66-2023 for rear driveline service
• Fits rear left and rear right positions on listed Ford and Mercury applications
• ABS ring included
• Self-lock axle nut locking type
• Spindle nut included with M24 x 2 thread size
• Input and output shaft connection style: splined
• 28-spline input and 28-spline output shaft counts
• High-temperature grease formulated for torque and heat load
• Boot clamps are pneumatically crimped for a secure seal
• Transmission seal diameter is precision-machined after heat treatment for proper sealing surface finish

Product Details

Cardone 66-2023 is a CV axle assembly designed for rear axle service on 1989-1997 Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar models, including 1989-1992 vehicles with a 7.5" ring gear. This part cross-references Ford E9SZ4B436A and Mercury E9SZ4B436A for the same application. The assembly is intended to restore driveline function where the original axle has worn joints, damaged boots, or runout-related vibration.

The Cardone CV Drive Axle line is engineered around common failure causes such as boot cracking, grease loss, contamination, and shaft runout. Shafts are individually checked for straightness to support smooth operation at speed, and the boot design is built to resist stress and ozone-related cracking.

Common Problems This Part Can Address

• Clicking, snapping, or grinding from the rear driveline during acceleration or turning
• Grease leakage around the axle boot or suspension area
• Vibration caused by axle runout or shaft distortion
• ABS warning light triggered by damaged sensor ring or related axle components
• Noise or binding from a worn inner or outer CV joint

Installation Notes and Tips

• Fits 1989-1992 Ford Thunderbird, rear left and rear right, with 7.5" ring gear
• Fits 1989-1992 Mercury Cougar, rear left and rear right, with 7.5" ring gear
• Fits 1990-1994 Ford Cougar, rear left and rear right
• Fits 1993-1997 Ford Thunderbird, rear left and rear right
• Fits 1993-1997 Mercury Cougar, rear left and rear right
• Do not let the axle hang unsupported during service
• Use a torque wrench to install the retaining nut to manufacturer specifications
• Do not reuse a prevailing-torque lock nut; install the supplied new nut
• Replace transaxle seals when servicing CV drive axles to help prevent leaks
• Inspect the ABS sensor, ring, and wiring during installation to avoid speed-signal faults

Quality Assurance

Cardone applies testing and engineering methods developed from CV axle remanufacturing experience to help the assembly meet OE-level performance targets. The shaft is verified for straightness, and the boot and seal details are designed to support long-term durability in rear driveline service on Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar applications.