Dorman 697-028 Differential Bearing Kit

Differential Bearing Kit for 9.75 In. Ford Axles

Dorman 697-028 is a differential bearing kit for servicing the ring and pinion setup on select Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury applications with a 9.75 in. differential. It includes the installation components needed for differential bearing service, making it a direct-fit option for common driveline repair work on Ford F-150 and Expedition platforms.

Key Features

• Fits select 1999-2006 Ford F-150, 1999-2006 Ford Expedition, and related 9.75 in. differential applications
• Tapered steel bearing construction for differential service
• Bearing races included
• Includes bearings, shims, crush collar, hardware, gasket material, gear marking compound, application brush, and thread lock compound
• Ring gear bolt quantity: 12
• Not sealed

Detailed Description

Dorman 697-028 is built for differential bearing replacement and setup on vehicles using the 9.75 in. rear differential. The kit supports ring and pinion installation service by providing the bearings and setup materials commonly needed during differential rebuild or gear replacement work. It uses tapered steel bearings and includes matching races for proper bearing service. This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 172286, 182286) for the same application.

Compatible With 1999-2006 Ford F-150, 9.75 In. Differential; 1999-2006 Ford Expedition, 9.75 In. Differential; 1999-2006 Ford Econoline, 9.75 In. Differential; 1999-2006 Lincoln Navigator, 9.75 In. Differential; 2002-2006 Ford E-150, 9.75 In. Differential; 2003-2005 Ford E-150 Club Wagon, 9.75 In. Differential; 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage, 9.75 In. Differential; 2006 Lincoln Mark LT, 9.75 In. Differential; 2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood, 9.75 In. Differential; 1999-2002 Ford E-150 Econoline, 9.75 In. Differential; and 1999-2002 Ford E-150 Econoline Club Wagon, 9.75 In. Differential.

Common Repair Uses

• Replacing worn differential bearings during ring and pinion service
• Addressing gear noise caused by bearing wear or improper setup
• Restoring correct differential preload and gear contact pattern
• Repairing driveline issues on high-mileage Ford F-150 and Expedition models
• Supporting differential rebuilds after gear ratio changes or internal service

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify the axle uses a 9.75 in. differential before ordering Dorman 697-028. During installation, inspect the ring gear, pinion, and housing surfaces for wear, and follow proper setup procedures for preload, backlash, and gear marking. Use the included shims and setup materials to confirm correct gear contact pattern before final assembly.

Quality Assurance

Dorman supplies service parts for drivetrain repair applications and provides components matched to the listed vehicle fitments. Part number 697-028 is specified for select Ford and Lincoln 9.75 in. differential service applications.