Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Installation

1. Inspect the rear axle pinion flange seal journal for rust, nicks, and scratches prior to installing the flange. Polish the seal journal with fine crocus cloth, if necessary.

2. Lubricate the rear axle pinion flange splines.

• Use SAE 75W-140 High Performance Rear Axle Lubricant F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A.

3. NOTE: Disregard the index marks if installing a new rear axle pinion flange.

Position the rear axle pinion flange.

4. Using the special tools, install the rear axle pinion flange.

5. CAUTION: Do not under any circumstance loosen the nut to reduce preload. If it is necessary to reduce preload, install a new differential drive pinion collapsible spacer (4662) and nut.

Tighten the nut to set the preload.

• Rotate the pinion occasionally to make sure the pinion bearings (4630) (4621) seat correctly. Take frequent pinion bearing torque preload readings by rotating the drive pinion gear with a Nm (inch/pound) torque wrench.
• If the preload recorded prior to disassembly is lower than the specification for used bearings, then tighten the nut to specification. If the preload recorded prior to disassembly is higher than the specification for used bearings, then tighten the nut to the original reading as recorded.
• Refer to the torque specification for used pinion bearings in the Specifications portion of this section.

6. CAUTION: Align the index-marks.

Connect the driveshaft.

7. Install the rear brake calipers.

8. Install the rear wheel and tire assemblies.

9. Lower the vehicle.