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.

Drive Pinion Flange

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

Drive 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.

Drive Pinion Flange

6. CAUTION: Align the index-marks.

CAUTION: Install the driveshaft with new bolts. If new bolts are not available, apply Threadlock and Sealer EOAZ-19554-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSKM2G351- A5 to the threads of the original bolts.

CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. To make sure that the yoke seats squarely on the flange, tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern as shown.

Connect the driveshaft.

Drive Pinion Flange

7. Install the rear brake calipers.

8. Install the rear wheel and tire assemblies.

9. Lower the vehicle.

    Removal
    1. Raise and support the vehicle. 2. Remove the rear wheel and tire assemblies. 3. CAUTION: Remove the rear brake calipers to prevent drag during the drive pinion bearing preload adjustment. CAU ...

    Pinion Seal
    Special Tool(s) Installer, Drive Pinion Oil Seal 205-133 (T79P-4676-A) Removal 1. Remove the pinion flange (4851). For additional information, refer to Drive Pinion Flange in this sec ...

    Other materials:

    Connecting Rod - Bearing Journal Clearance
    Special Tool(s) Plastigage 303-D031 (D81L-6002-B) or equivalent NOTE: The crankshaft connecting rod journals must be within specifications to check the connecting rod bearing journal clearance. 1. Remove the connecting rod bearing cap. 2. ...

    Connecting Rod - Bushing Diameter
    1. Measure the inner diameter of the connecting rod bushing, if equipped. Verify the diameter is within specification. Refer to the appropriate section in Group for the procedure. If out of specification, install new components as necessary. Refer ...

    Pinpoint Test O: DTC B1870 - Air Bag Indicator Shorted to Battery
    Normal Operation The air bag indicator is designed to illuminate for 6 (+/-2) seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position. This initial 6 seconds of illumination is considered normal operation and is called proveout of the air ba ...