Ford F150 Pickup. Instruction — part 527

Fig. 88: Installing Drive Pinion
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

16. Lubricate the rear axle pinion flange splines with rear axle lubricant.

NOTE:

Disregard the scribe marks if a new rear axle pinion flange is being
installed.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 10.25-inch - F150 Pickup

Fig. 89: Aligning Rear Axle Pinion Flange With Drive Pinion Shaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

17. Align the rear axle pinion flange with the drive pinion shaft.

18. With the drive pinion in place in the axle housing, install the rear axle pinion flange using the special tool.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 10.25-inch - F150 Pickup

Fig. 90: Installing Rear Axle Pinion Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

19. Position the new pinion nut.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 10.25-inch - F150 Pickup

Fig. 91: Installing Pinion Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

20. Use a suitable pinion flange holding tool to hold the rear axle pinion flange while tightening the pinion

nut.

z

Tighten the pinion nut, rotating the pinion occasionally to make sure the cone and roller bearings
are seating correctly. Take frequent cone and roller bearing torque preload readings until the
original recorded preload reading is obtained by rotating the pinion with a N.m (inch-pound) torque
wrench.

z

If the original recorded preload is lower than specifications, tighten to the appropriate specification
for used bearings. If the preload is higher than specifications, tighten the nut to the original reading
as recorded. For additional information, refer to the torque specification for new pinion bearings in
SPECIFICATIONS .

CAUTION: Under no circumstances is the pinion nut to be backed off to reduce

preload. If reduced preload is required, a new collapsible spacer and
pinion nut must be installed.

NOTE:

Remove the suitable pinion flange holder while taking preload readings.

2003 Ford Pickup F150

2003 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 10.25-inch - F150 Pickup