Ranger 4WD L4-2.3L VIN D (2002)
8. CAUTION: Never use a metal hammer on the pinion flange or install the flange with power tools. If necessary, use a plastic hammer to tap on a
tight fitting flange.
Align the index marks and install the pinion flange.
9. Install the new nut hand-tight.
10. CAUTION: Do not loosen the nut to reduce preload. Install a new collapsible spacer and nut if preload reduction is necessary.
Use the special tool to hold the pinion flange while tightening the nut to set the preload.
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Tighten the nut, rotating the pinion occasionally to ensure the differential pinion bearings are seating correctly. Take frequent differential
pinion bearing preload readings by rotating the pinion with a Nm (inch-pound) torque wrench. The final reading must be 0.56 Nm (5 inch lbs.)
more than the initial reading taken during removal.
11. Align the index marks and position the front driveshaft.
