Lean Correction - Rear

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Pickup, 2004 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2004 Ford F450 Super Duty, 2004 Ford Excursion, and 2004 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: When verifying the vehicle lean, all tires must be inflated to the proper specifications and all equipment must be removed from the vehicle, such as tool boxes, caps, bed fuel tanks, etc. The vehicle must also be parked on a level surface.

Inspect all four tires for proper inflation, adjust as necessary.
- Refer to the Safety Certification sticker located on driver door jamb.
With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. Refer to JACKING & LIFTING .

NOTE: The front and rear springs must be in proper working order before a vehicle lean condition can be properly diagnosed.

Inspect the front and rear springs for any signs of damage (i.e. fractured or broken), replace as necessary.
1. If a spring is damaged, replace the spring and re-evaluate the vehicle.
2. If the lean condition is corrected, no further action is necessary.
3. If the lean condition is not corrected, proceed to Step 4.
With the vehicle on a level surface and the suspension at curb height, measure the vehicle ride height from the wheel lip to the top of the wheel well opening at all four corners. Record the measured values.

Fig 1: Measuring Vehicle Ride Height From Wheel Lip To Top Of Wheel
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
For the front measurements, take the smaller measured value and subtract it from the larger measured value, this is the wheel well difference number. Record this number.
- Repeat the calculation using the rear measurements.
Measure chassis ride height and record the measured values. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
For the front measurements, take the smaller measured value and subtract it from the larger measured value, this is the chassis ride height difference number. Record this number.
- Repeat the calculation using the rear measurements.

Using the recorded wheel well difference numbers, the recorded chassis ride height difference numbers and the following repair action chart, determine what repair action is needed to correct the vehicle lean condition.

REPAIR ACTION CHART

Wheel Lip To Wheel Well Difference Left to Right	Chassis Ride Height Difference Left To Right	Action
0 to 3/4 in. (19 mm)	N/A	No action to be taken
Greater than 3/4 in. (19 mm)	Less than 3/4 in. (19 mm)	No chassis correction authorized, investigate frame and body systems
Greater than 3/4 in. (19 mm)	3/4 in. to 1 in. (19 to 25 mm)	Install shim 3CAZ-5A300-AA on low side of vehicle
Greater than 3/4 in. (19 mm)	Greater than 1 in. to 1 3/4 in. (25 to 44 mm)	Install shim 5C3Z-5742-AA on low side of vehicle
Greater than 3/4 in. (19 mm)	2 in. and Greater (51 mm and greater)	Replace spring

Support the axle using a suitable jack.

Fig 2: Supporting Axle Using Jack
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the four U-bolts nuts and the two U-bolts to allow the rear axle to separate from the rear spring.

Fig 3: Discarding U-Bolts Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Turn the shim so the recess is facing upward.

Fig 4: Identifying Shim
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Insert the shim between the rear spring and the spring seat.
- Position the shim so the tie bolt through the spring leaves is in the shim recess, the stud on the bottom of the shim is in the spring seat recess, and the shim is aligned with the rear spring.
  
  Fig 5: Inserting Shim Between Rear Spring And Spring Seat
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install two new U-bolts and four new nuts.

Fig 6: Installing U-Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Measure chassis ride height. Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM .
- Replace the spring if the ride height is now greater than 200 mm for a single rear wheel vehicle or 210 mm for a dual rear wheel vehicle.