F 150 Super Crew 4WD V8-5.4L Prop SOHC VIN Z (2003)
17. NOTE: Disregard the scribe marks if a new rear axle pinion flange is being installed.
Align the rear axle pinion flange with the drive pinion shaft.
18. With the drive pinion in place in the axle housing, install the rear axle pinion flange using the special tool.
19. Position the new pinion nut.
20. 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.
NOTE: Remove the suitable pinion flange holder while taking preload readings.
Use a suitable pinion flange holding tool to hold the rear axle pining 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 correctly. Take frequent cone and
roller bearing torque preload readings until the original recorded preload bearing is obtained by rotating the pinion with a Nm (inch-pound)
torque wrench.
