Drive Pinion Flange: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Lubricate the pinion flange splines with lubricant.

NOTE: Disregard the scribe marks if a new pinion flange is being installed.

Fig 1: Aligning Pinion Flange With Drive Pinion Shaft

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

Fig 2: Installing Pinion Flange Using Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the new pinion nut.

Fig 3: Positioning Pinion Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool, hold the pinion flange and tighten the pinion nut.
CAUTION: Under no circumstances is the pinion nut to be backed off to reduce preloads. If reduced preload is required, a new drive pinion collapsible spacer and pinion nut must be installed.

CAUTION: Remove the special tool while taking preload readings with the Nm (inch-pound) torque wrench.
- Rotate the pinion occasionally to make sure the cone and roller bearings are seating correctly.
- Install a Nm (inch-pound) torque wrench on the pinion nut.
- Rotating the pinion through several revolutions, take frequent cone and roller bearing torque preload readings until the original recorded preload reading is obtained.
- If the original recorded preload is lower than specification for used bearings, tighten to the appropriate specification. If the preload is higher than the specification, then tighten the nut to the original reading as recorded.
- Refer to the torque specification for used pinion bearings in the SPECIFICATIONS .
  
  Fig 4: Holding Pinion Flange & Tightening Pinion Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the driveshaft and align the marks on the pinion flange.

Fig 5: Positioning Driveshaft & Aligning Marks On Pinion Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the driveshaft bolts.
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.

Fig 6: Installing Driveshaft Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the rear brake drums. For additional information, refer to DISC & DRUM article.