Dorman 697-101 Differential Bearing Kit - Front or Rear

Differential Bearing Kit for Ford 8.8 In. Axles

Dorman 697-101 is a differential bearing kit for servicing the ring and pinion setup on select Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles with a standard-design 8.8 in. ring gear. It includes the core installation components needed for differential bearing service, making it a direct-fit option for front and rear axle applications listed below.

• Carrier bearing type for differential service
• Steel bearing construction
• Bearing races included
• Package contents: bearings, races, shims, and marking compound
• Fits select front and rear 8.8 in. axle applications

Application Coverage

Compatible With select Ford F-150 front applications from 1997-2019, Ford Expedition front applications from 1997-2018, and Lincoln Navigator front applications from 1998-2012 with standard design and no intermediate axle bearings. It also fits a wide range of rear axle applications, including Ford Crown Victoria, Mustang, Explorer, Ranger, Bronco, and Lincoln Town Car models with the standard 8.8 in. ring gear.

This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 762B004, R8.8R) for the same application. Dorman 697-101 is also a fit for select Ford E-150, F-250, Expedition, Explorer Sport Trac, Mercury Mountaineer, and Lincoln Aviator applications where the listed axle configuration matches.

What This Kit Helps Address

• Worn or noisy differential carrier bearings
• Improper ring and pinion bearing service during axle rebuilds
• Need for replacement races and shims during setup
• Gear pattern adjustment during differential assembly
• Service work on Ford 8.8 in. rear or front axle assemblies

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify axle configuration, position, and notes before ordering. This kit is for standard-design 8.8 in. ring gear applications and specific front models without intermediate axle bearings, so matching the vehicle’s axle setup is essential. Use the included shims and marking compound during setup to help confirm bearing preload and gear contact pattern.

Quality Assurance

Dorman manufactures this differential bearing kit as a service part for select OE-style axle applications. Confirm fitment against the vehicle year, make, model, position, and axle notes before installation. Dorman 697-101 is listed for 1980-2019 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury applications within the specified 8.8 in. differential configurations.