Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the rear stabilizer bar on vehicles equipped with rear stabilizer bars.
1. Remove the rear stabilizer bar link nuts and bolt.
2. Remove the rear stabilizer bar link.
3. Remove the rear stabilizer bar mounting bracket bolts and remove the brackets.
4. Remove the rear stabilizer bar.
  
  Fig 1: Removing Rear Stabilizer Bar
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the drive pinion. For additional information, refer to DRIVE PINION .
Disconnect the rear brake anti-lock sensor electrical connector from the sensor.
- Separate the wiring harness from the clips and position the harness aside.
  
  Fig 2: Disconnecting Rear Brake Anti-Lock Sensor Electrical Connector
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the vent hose from the axle.

Fig 3: Disconnecting Vent Hose From Axle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Separate the brake lines from the retaining clips on the axle.

Fig 4: Separating Brake Lines From Retaining Clips On Axle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Do not disconnect the brake lines from the brake hose junction block.

Fig 5: Disconnecting Brake Hose Junction Block From Differential Housing

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Disconnect the brake hose junction block from the differential housing.
Disconnect the rear brake backing plates from the axle. Wire the assemblies aside.

Fig 6: Disconnecting Rear Brake Backing Plates From Axle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position a suitable jack under the differential housing and strap it securely in place.

Fig 7: Identifying Position A Suitable Jack Under Differential Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the nuts and bolts retaining the shock absorbers to the axle.

Fig 8: Removing Bolts Retaining Shock Absorbers To Axle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the nuts, the rear axle U-bolts and the rear spring plates.

Fig 9: Removing Rear Axle U-Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Lower the rear axle from the vehicle.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Refer to DISC & DRUM article for the brake backing plate retainer tightening specifications.