Companion Flange Installation

Companion Flange Alignment Marking:

1. Apply a small amount of lubricant to the companion shaft splines. Align the mark on the companion flange with the mark on the pinion shaft. Install the flange.

Install a new pinion nut on the pinion stem.

NOTE: If a new companion flange is being installed, disregard the scribe mark on the pinion shaft.

NOTE: The companion flange must never be hammered on or installed with power tools.

Pinion Nut Removal:

Pinion Nut Installation:

2. For F-150 and Bronco hold the half-round companion flange with Companion Flange Holding Tool, T57T-4851-B or equivalent while tightening the pinion nut (see Step 13).

For E-150 hold the circular companion flange with Companion Flange Holding Tool, T78P-4851-A or equivalent while tightening the pinion nut (see Step 13).

Pinion Preload Check:

3. Tighten the pinion nut to a minimum torque of 217 Nm (160 ft-lbs), rotating the pinion occasionally to insure proper bearing seating. Take frequent drive pinion bearing torque preload readings until the original recorded preload reading is obtained.

If the original recorded preload is lower than specification (used bearings 0.9-1.5 Nm [8-14 in-lbs]; new bearings 1.8-3.3 Nm [16-29 in-lbs]) tighten to specification. If the preload is higher than specification, tighten to original reading as recorded.

Under no circumstances should the pinion nut be backed off to reduce preload. If reduced preload is required, a new collapsible pinion spacer and pinion nut must be installed.