Ford Low Cab Forward (Ford year). Manual — part 39

2. Set the parking brake and shift into P (Park) and turn the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the rear axle filler plug.
4. Remove the filler plug and inspect the lubricant level.
5. The lubricant level should be up to the bottom of the filler plug
opening.
6. If necessary, add enough lubricant through the filler plug opening so
that the lubricant level is at the bottom of the opening.
7. Clean and install the filler plug securely.
Drain and refill your rear axle lubricant using the following procedure:
Note: The rear axle lubricant should only be drained when the lubricant
is warm.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Set the parking brake and shift into P (Park) and turn the engine off.
3. Clean any dirt from around the rear axle filler plug and drain bolt.
4. Remove the filler plug and drain bolt, then drain the lubricant into a
suitable container. Dispose all used automotive fluids in a responsible
manner following your local authorized standards.
5. Clean the drain area, then install the bolt securely.
6. Add enough lubricant through the filler plug opening so that the
lubricant level is up to the bottom of the opening.
7. Clean and install the filler plug securely.

WHEELS

General
Wheel bearings should be inspected, lubricated and adjusted at regular
intervals. This is especially important if operating in deep sand, mud, or
water. Refer to Lubricant specifications in this chapter.
When installing wheel balance weights, they must be mounted on the
dome-side of the wheel only. Failure to do so may result in loss of wheel
weight and/or damage to brakes or wheels.
Wheel bearings
Your vehicle is equipped with grease-packed front wheel bearings and
oil-lubricated rear wheel bearings.
Normal maintenance
Over a period of time, if not routinely cleaned, a slight film of oil/grease
can collect dirt around the gasket, which could appear to be a leak.
Routine cleaning ensures that leaks can be easily observed before
damage occurs.

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158

Installation, tightening and alignment

Tighten the lug nuts in the order
shown.

When installing wheels, be certain that the threads on studs and nuts are
clean to permit correct torquing of nuts. The mounting surfaces of rims,
wheels, spacer rings and clamps must be free of dirt, rust, lubricants or
damage.

Use a wire brush to clean the mounting contact surfaces. Do not use
lubricant on threads.

After the rim or wheel has been properly tightened, it should be checked
for alignment. Rotate the wheel with a piece of chalk attached to a
steady, firm surface, and placed to just barely clear the outside surface of
the tire bead seat. This procedure will point out the high spot. A high
spot does not necessarily mean that the lug nuts have been unevenly
tightened. This condition or misalignment could be caused by a bent
wheel.

Maintenance and Specifications

159

Wheel mounting

Disc wheel with flange nuts (hub-piloted)

Front wheel mounting of flange nut
system

1. Flange nut

2. Wheel(s)

3. Brake drum

4. Wheel stud (M14)

5. Wheel hub

Rear wheel mounting of flange nut
system

1. Flange nut

2. Wheel(s)

3. Brake drum

4. Wheel stud (M14)

5. Wheel hub

1. Slide inner rear or front tire and wheel in position over studs and push
it back as far as possible. Use care so that the threads on studs are not
damaged.

2. Position the outer rear tire and wheel in place over the studs and
push it back as far as possible. Use care so that the threads on studs are
not damaged.

3. Run the nuts on the studs until they contact the wheel(s). Rotate the
wheel assembly a half-turn to permit the parts to seat.

Maintenance and Specifications

160

4. Draw up the nuts alternately following the crisscross sequence
illustrated under Installation, tightening and alignment. Do not fully
tighten the nuts. This will allow uniform seating of the nuts and ensure
even face-to-face contact of the wheel and hub.

5. Continue tightening the nuts to the torque specifications in the Wheel
Lug Nut Torque chart, later in this chapter, using the same crisscross
sequence shown.

6. After operating the vehicle approximately 50 miles (80 km), check the
nuts for tightness. Some natural seating of parts may be encountered
and the torque on the nuts will drop. Retighten all nuts to specifications.

Once a week, inspect and retighten the wheel stud nuts.

Aluminum rear disc wheel with flange nuts (hub-piloted)

1. Flange nut

2. Wheel(s)

3. Brake drum

4. Wheel stud (M14)

5. Wheel hub

6. Wheel locator pad

1

6

5

4

3

2

Maintenance and Specifications

161