Dorman 697-331 Differential Ring and Pinion - Rear

Dorman 697-331 Differential Ring and Pinion

Dorman 697-331 is a standard replacement differential ring and pinion for vehicles equipped with a 3.55 axle ratio and a 9.75-inch ring gear. It directly replaces the original equipment setup on select Ford and Lincoln rear axle applications, including Ford F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator models.

Key Features

• Gear ratio: 3.55
• Standard replacement grade for OE-style service
• Rear differential application
• Package contents: ring gear and pinion gear
• Direct replacement for specific 9.75-inch ring gear applications

Detailed Description

This Dorman differential ring and pinion, part number 697-331, is built for rear axle service where the original gear set uses a 3.55 ratio. It is a direct replacement for select Ford E-150, Ford Expedition, Ford F-150, Ford E-250 Econoline, Ford E-150 Econoline, Ford Econoline Van, Ford Econoline Wagon, Lincoln Navigator, and Lincoln Mark LT applications with a 9.75-inch ring gear. This part cross-references OE-style numbers such as 8L3Z4209K and YG F9.75-355 for the same application.

Use Dorman 697-331 when servicing a worn or damaged rear differential gear set on 1997-2013 Ford and Lincoln trucks, vans, and SUVs that call for a 3.55 axle ratio. The part number 697-331 is a practical OE replacement choice for restoring proper differential gear engagement in compatible rear axle assemblies.

What It Helps Fix

• Gear noise from worn ring and pinion teeth
• Backlash or gear mesh issues in the rear differential
• Loss of smooth power transfer through the axle
• Damage from chipped, pitted, or worn differential gears
• Service needs on 3.55 ratio rear axle rebuilds

Installation Notes and Tips

Fits 2003-2013 Ford E-150, rear. Fits 2010-2013 Ford Econoline Van, rear. Fits 2010-2013 Ford Econoline Wagon, rear. Fits 1997-2013 Ford Expedition, rear. Fits 1998-2013 Lincoln Navigator, rear. Fits 2007-2008 Ford E-150 Econoline, rear. Fits 1997-2002 Ford E-150 Econoline, rear. Fits 1997-2008 Ford F-150, rear. Fits 2006-2008 Lincoln Mark LT, rear. Fits 2004 Ford F-150 Heritage, rear. Fits 1997-2002 Ford E-250 Econoline, rear. Fits 1997-1999 Ford F-250, rear. Fits 1997 Ford F-250 HD, rear.

Verify the axle ratio and 9.75-inch ring gear specification before installation. Differential gear setup requires precise measurement of backlash, pinion depth, and bearing preload during assembly.

Quality Assurance

Dorman supplies this part as a standard replacement component for direct OE-style service on the listed Ford and Lincoln rear axle applications. Part number 697-331 is engineered to match the specified gear ratio and differential configuration for the confirmed fitments above.