Axle ("I" Beams): Removal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford RV Cutaway, 2002 Ford Econoline, 2002 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2002 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Remove the spindle. See SPINDLE . Using a suitable jack, support the axle. Remove the four stabilizer bar bracket bolts and the stabilizer bar.
- Loosen the shock absorber upper nut. Remove the shock absorber lower nut, then slide the shock absorber off the radius arm. Remove the front spring upper retainer bolt and the upper spring retainer.NOTE: It may be necessary to loosen the radius arm-to-axle nut to remove the spring from the lower retainer.
- Lower the jack supporting the axle, then remove the front coil spring from the lower retainer. Using a suitable spray lubricant, spray the lower spring and spring retainer. Rotate the spring 180 degrees counterclockwise, tilt the spring outward and remove. See Figure .
- Remove the radius arm-to-axle nut and bolt. See Figure
. Remove the spring retainer and insulator. Remove the radius arm-to-rear bracket nut. See Figure
. Remove the washer and rear insulator. Remove the radius arm from the bracket, and remove the spacer, insulator and washer.NOTE: In order to obtain clearance for the pivot bolt removal when servicing the right front axle, it may be necessary to raise the left side of the vehicle to relieve the weight on the suspension.
- Remove the axle pivot nut and bolt. Remove the axle.