Ford F150 Pickup. Manual - part 613

Fig. 70: Installing 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 9.75-inch - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 71: Installing Pinion Nut 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

20. Using a suitable pinion flange holding tool to hold the pinion flange, tighten the pinion nut. 

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Rotate the pinion occasionally to make sure the cone and roller bearings are seating correctly.  

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Install a N.m (inch-pound) torque wrench on the pinion nut.  

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Rotating the pinion through several revolutions, take frequent cone and roller bearing torque 
preload readings until the original recorded preload reading is obtained.  

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If the original recorded preload is lower than specifications, tighten to the appropriate specifications 
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 . 

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

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

CAUTION: The pinion flange holding tool must be removed before preload 

readings can be taken.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

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

  

Fig. 72: Tightening Pinion Nut 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

21. Install the differential case. For additional information, refer to DIFFERENTIAL CASE . For additional 

adjustments, Refer to DRIVELINE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .  

22. Position the driveshaft and align the mark on the pinion flange. 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

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

  

Fig. 73: Aligning Mark On Driveshaft & Pinion Flange 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle 

pinion flange pilot. To 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 9.75-inch - F150 Pickup