Ranger 2WD L4-153 2.5L SOHC VIN C SFI (1998)
17. NOTE: Disregard the scribe marks if a new pinion flange is being installed.
Align the pinion flange with the drive pinion shaft.
18. With the drive pinion in place in the rear axle housing, install the 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 preloads. If reduced preload is required, a new
collapsible spacer and pinion nut must be installed.
Using the special tool to hold the pinion flange, tighten the pinion nut.
1. Rotate the pinion occasionally to make sure the cone and roller bearings are seating correctly.
2. Install a Nm (inch-pound) torque wrench on the pinion nut.
3. Rotating the pinion through several revolutions, take frequent cone and roller bearing torque preload readings until the original recorded
preload reading is obtained.
4. If the original recorded preload is lower than specifications, tighten to the appropriate specifications for used bearings. If the preload is higher
