F 150 2WD Pickup V8-5.4L Prop SOHC VIN Z (1998)
2. Align the rear axle companion flange with the drive pinion shaft.
NOTE: Disregard the scribe marks if a new rear axle companion flange is being installed.
3. With the drive pinion in place in the rear axle housing, install the rear axle companion flange using the Companion Flange Replacer.
4. Position the new pinion nut.
5. Use the Companion Flange Holding Tool to hold the rear axle companion flange while tightening the pinion nut.
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Tighten the pinion nut, rotating the pinion occasionally to make sure the cone and roller bearings are seating properly. Take frequent cone and
roller bearing torque preload readings until the original recorded preload reading is obtained by rotating the pinion with an Nm (inch-pound)
torque wrench.
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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.
CAUTION: Under no circumstances is the pinion nut to be backed off to reduce preload. If reduced preload is required, a new collapsible
spacer and pinion nut must be installed.
