Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup, 2005 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2005 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING .
Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
Remove the wheel knuckles. For additional information, refer to WHEEL KNUCKLE .
Remove the stabilizer bar link nuts and disconnect the stabilizer bar links from the frame.
- To install, tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 1: Disconnecting Stabilizer Bar Links From Frame
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the anti-lock brake system (ABS) wire from the radius arms.
Remove the brake hose bracket bolts and brake hose brackets from the axle.
- To install, tighten to 18 Nm (13 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 2: Removing Brake Hose Bracket Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Index-mark the driveshaft to the companion flange to maintain proper driveline balance.

NOTE: If new driveshaft flange bolts are not available, coat the threads of the driveshaft flange bolts with Threadlock and Sealer.

Remove and discard the driveshaft flange bolts and disconnect the driveshaft at the front axle. Wrap electrical tape around the bearing cups and using mechanic's wire, position the front driveshaft aside.
- To install, tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 3: Removing Driveshaft Flange Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: It is necessary to load the suspension to remove the trackbar. Load the springs by allowing most of the front vehicle weight to rest on the axle.

Support the axle with a suitable jack, and lower the vehicle enough to relieve the tension on the trackbar. Remove the trackbar nut and disconnect the trackbar at the axle, then using mechanic's wire, position the trackbar aside.
- Relieve the load on the suspension after disconnecting the trackbar.
- Leave the jack supporting the axle for removal from the vehicle.
- To install, tighten to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 4: Removing Trackbar Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the vent tube and the routing clip.
Position aside the hublock vacuum hoses.
- On the LH side of the axle, remove the hublock vacuum hose bolt.
  - To install, tighten to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft).
- Position aside the hublock vacuum hoses.
  
  Fig 5: Disconnecting Hublock Vacuum Hoses
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the lower shock bolts.
- To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 6: Removing Lower Shock Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Lower the axle.
Remove the front coil springs.

Fig 7: Removing Front Coil Springs
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the trailing arm bolts.
- To install, tighten to 300 Nm (221 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 8: Removing Trailing Arm Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Lower the axle from the vehicle.

Fig 9: Lowering Axle From Vehicle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
- Check and, if necessary, fill the axle with the specified lubricant. For additional information, refer to SPECIFICATIONS .