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.

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical components because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. Install new components with the same component number or an equivalent component if installation is necessary. Do not use an installation component of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these components.

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 .
Support the rear axle with a suitable jack.

Fig 1: Supporting Rear Axle With A Suitable Jack
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the U-bolt retaining nuts, then remove the spring plate. Use the following procedure to correctly install the U-bolts.
1. Install the U-bolts, springs plate and U-bolt retaining nuts. Do not tighten the fasteners at this time.
2. Align the U-bolts so they are as vertical as possible.
3. Tighten the nuts evenly in a cross-type pattern to 100 Nm (74 lb-ft), then 200 Nm (148 lb-ft), then to 300 Nm (222 lb-ft) and finally to 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 2: Installing U-Bolts, Springs Plate And U-Bolt Retaining Nuts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the U-bolts.

Fig 3: Removing U-Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the nut and bolt from the front spring hanger bracket.

Fig 4: Removing Nut And Bolt From Front Spring Hanger Bracket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the lower nut and bolt from the rear spring shackle bracket. Remove the rear spring assembly.

Fig 5: Removing Lower Nut And Bolt From Rear Spring Shackle Bracket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the nut and bolt from the rear spring shackle assembly and remove the rear spring shackle.

Fig 6: Removing Nut And Bolt From Rear Spring Shackle Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If installing an auxiliary spring, remove the auxiliary spring.
1. Remove the auxiliary spring retaining nut.
2. Remove the upper spring plate.
3. Remove the auxiliary spring.
4. Remove the auxiliary spring spacer.
  
  Fig 7: Removing Auxiliary Spring Spacer Retaining Nut
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To install, follow the removal procedure in reverse order, using new fasteners.

Fig 8: Installing Spring Spacer Retaining Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 9: Installing Nut And Bolt To Rear Spring Shackle Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 10: Installing Lower Nut And Bolt To Rear Spring Shackle Bracket

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 11: Installing Nut And Bolt To Front Spring Hanger Bracket

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 12: Installing U-Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.