Item Numbers 6-15: Lower Block Cradle, Bolts and Nuts Installation Note

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

Position the lower block cradle and gasket assembly.

Fig 1: Positioning Lower Block Cradle And Gasket Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install and hand-tighten the outer bolts and nuts.

Fig 2: Installing And Hand-Tighten Outer Bolts And Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install and hand-tighten the rear lower block cradle bolts.

Fig 3: Installing And Hand-Tighten Rear Lower Block Cradle Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the two rear lower block cradle-to-bell housing bolts.

Fig 4: Installing Two Rear Lower Block Cradle-To-Bell Housing Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Tighten the outer bolts.

Fig 5: Tightening Outer Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Tighten the rear lower block cradle bolts.

Fig 6: Tightening Rear Lower Block Cradle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Tighten the eight inserts.

Fig 7: Tightening Eight Inserts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the two silver covered bolts and new washer seals. Hand-tighten them at this time.

Fig 8: Installing Two Silver Covered Bolts And New Washer Seals
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install and hand-tighten the six remaining bolts.

Fig 9: Installing And Hand-Tightening Six Remaining Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Tighten the lower block cradle bolts in two stages:
- Stage 1: Tighten to 15 Nm (11 lb-ft).
- Stage 2: Tighten to 34 Nm (25 lb-ft).
Fig 10: Tightening Lower Block Cradle Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.