Ford F150 Pickup. Instruction - part 620

Fig. 98: Backlash Check & Specifications 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 9.75-inch - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 99: Adjusting Backlash 
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 9.75-inch - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 100: Tightening Bearing Cap Bolts 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

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

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 9.75-inch - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 101: Rotating Differential 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

14. Using the special tool check the backlash. 

z

If backlash is within specification, go to Backlash within specification in this procedure. If not, go 
to Backlash not within specification within this procedure.  

z

The specification shown in the illustration is the total allowable range. For the preferred range, 
refer to SPECIFICATIONS . 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2003 DRIVELINE/AXLES Rear Drive Axle/Differential - Ford 9.75-inch - F150 Pickup