Removal And Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Pickup, 2007 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2007 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2007 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: All vehicles are equipped with gas-pressurized shock absorbers which will extend unassisted. Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorbers during removal or component servicing.

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

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.
Index-mark the spring and the spring upper insulator.

Fig 1: Locating Index-Mark Spring And Spring Upper Insulator
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a suitable jack, support the front axle assembly.
Remove and discard the front shock absorber lower bolt and flag nut.
- To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
Remove the stabilizer bar link lower nut and bushing.
- Discard the nut.
- To install, tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
Lower the axle and remove the spring.
Remove the spring upper seat and retain for reinstallation.

NOTE: Inspect the spring upper and lower seats, install new as necessary.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.