Ford F150 Pickup. Instruction - part 517
Fig. 49: Tightening Pinion Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5. Use a suitable pinion flange holding tool to hold the rear axle pinion flange while tightening the pinion
nut.
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Tighten the pinion nut, rotating the pinion occasionally to make sure the cone and roller bearings
are seating properly. Take frequent cone and roller bearing torque preload readings until the
original recorded preload reading is obtained by rotating the pinion with a Nm (inch-pound) torque
wrench.
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If the original recorded preload is lower than specifications, tighten to the appropriate specification
for used bearings. If the preload is higher than specification, tighten the nut to the original reading
as recorded. For additional information, refer to TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
6. Position the rear driveshaft and align the marks on the rear axle pinion flange.
CAUTION: If new bolts to retain the driveshaft to the axle are not available, coat
the threads of the original bolts with threadlock.
CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle
pinion flange pilot. Make sure that the yoke seats squarely on the
flange, tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern as shown.
2003 Ford Pickup F150
2003 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 10.25-inch - F150 Pickup