Drive Pinion Flange: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 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.

Align the pinion flange with the drive pinion shaft.

Fig 1: Installing Pinion Flange Using Special Tool (205-002)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the pinion flange using the special tool.

Fig 2: Identifying Pinion Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Use the same color new drive pinion nut for installation. If a new collapsible spacer must be installed for preload reduction, install the nut supplied with the new spacer or damage to the component may occur.

Position the new pinion flange nut.

7.5 IN DRIVE PINION NUT

Part Number	Color	Application
389546-S100	Orange	Axles built before 7/16/07
4320	Purple	Axles built after 7/16/07
4C121	Purple	Kit with spacer all 7.5

Fig 3: Holding Pinion Flange Using Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Under no circumstances is the pinion nut to be backed off to reduce preloads or component damage may occur. If reduced preload is required, a new drive pinion collapsible spacer and pinion nut kit must be installed.

NOTE: Remove the special tool while taking preload readings with the N.m (lb-in) torque wrench.

Using the special tool, hold the pinion flange and tighten the pinion nut.
- Rotate the pinion occasionally to make sure the cone and roller bearings are seating correctly.
- Install a N.m (lb-in) 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, 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 SPECIFICATIONS .

Fig 4: Identifying Index Marks On Pinion/Driveshaft Flanges

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Position the driveshaft and align the marks on the pinion flange.

Fig 5: Locating Driveshaft Flange Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: 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.

Install the 4 driveshaft bolts.
- Tighten to 112 Nm (83 lb-ft).
Install the rear brake drums. For additional information, refer to DRUM BRAKE .