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Checking & Adjustment: Checking: Adjustment

  1. If angle is not within specifications, raise and support vehicle at side frame rails. Lower and support rear axle and differential pinion nose. Disconnect parking brake cable from upper arm retainer. Remove upper arms one at a time to prevent axle from rolling.
  2. Insert wide flat tool (screwdriver) in eccentric inner sleeve (accessible through hole made by removal of attaching bolt). Rotate cam clockwise to raise or counterclockwise to lower pinion angle.
  3. Reinstall upper arms and install new pivot bolts and nuts with nut facing inboard. Recheck pinion angle and tighten pivot bolt with vehicle at controlled height.
    Fig 1: Location for Measuring Curb Height
    G09347528Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    NOTE: Left and right upper arms must have same setting.
    Fig 2: Measuring Differential Nose Angle
    G09347529Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Universal Joint Angle Specifications

Model Application Universal Joints (Front & Rear)(1) Curb Height
Thunderbird, XR-7
  7 1/2" Axle 2.40° 5.77"
Fairmont, Zephyr
  7 1/2" Axle 2.45° 5.55"
  6 3/4" Axle 2.31° 5.77"
Granada & Cougar Wagon
  7 1/2" Axle 2.40° 5.88"
Mustang & Capri
  7 1/2" Axle 2.27° 5.07"
  6 3/4" Axle 2.10° 5.29"
Granada & Cougar
  7 1/2" Axle 2.45° 5.55"
Lincoln Continental
  7 1/2" Axle 2.22° 6.19"
(1) Plus or minus.5°.