Ford F150 Pickup. Instruction - part 535

Fig. 120: Zero Backlash Conditions Table (2 Of 2) 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

Backlash Not Within Specification 

11. To increase or decrease backlash, remove the bearing caps, and install a thicker shim and a thinner shim 

as shown. 

z

If backlash is not within specification, correct by increasing the thickness of one differential 
bearing shim and decreasing the thickness on the other differential bearing shim by the same 
amount.  

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

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

  

Fig. 121: Installing Thicker Shim 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

12. Install the bearing caps and bearing cap bolts. 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

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

  

Fig. 122: Installing Bearing Caps & Bearing Cap Bolts 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

13. Rotate the differential several times to make sure the differential bearings are properly seated. 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

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

  

Fig. 123: Rotating Differential 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

14. Using the special tool, recheck the backlash. 

z

If backlash is within specification, refer to Backlash Within Specification .  

z

If backlash is not within specification, refer to Backlash Not Within Specification .  

z

The specification shown is the full allowable range. For the preferred range, refer to 
SPECIFICATIONS . 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

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