Removal and Installation

CAUTION: The vehicle must be on level ground and at curb height.

Mark the rear shock absorbers relative to their protective sleeve.
- During installation, raise the suspension to this reference mark before tightening the suspension fasteners.
  
  Fig 1: Reference Marking Rear Shock Absorbers
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to JACKING & HOISTING .
Remove the drive pinion. For additional information, refer to DRIVE PINION .
Disconnect the parking brake rear cables.

Fig 2: Identifying Parking Brake Rear Cables
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the parking brake rear cables and conduit from the routing clip bolts.

Fig 3: Identifying Routing Clip Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the parking brake rear cables from the parking brake lever.

Fig 4: Disconnecting Parking Brake Rear Cables From Parking Brake Lever
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the clip from the rear disc brake calipers.

Fig 5: Removing Clip From Rear Disc Brake Calipers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the parking brake rear cables and conduit from the rear disc brake calipers.

Fig 6: Removing Parking Brake Rear Cables
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the rear axle driveline vibration damper from the axle.
1. Pull down on the shaft.
2. Remove the bolt.
  
  Fig 7: Disconnecting Rear Axle Driveline Vibration Damper From Axle
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the stabilizer bar. For additional information, refer to REAR - EXCEPT COBRA or REAR - COBRA .
Position a suitable jack under the differential housing for support and strap it securely in place.

Fig 8: Positioning Jack Under Differential Housing For Support
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the nuts and bolts retaining the upper suspension arm and bushings to the differential housing.

Fig 9: Removing Upper Suspension Arm Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the nuts and bolts retaining the shock absorbers to the axle.

Fig 10: Removing Nuts And Bolts Retaining Shock Absorbers To Axle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Lower the differential housing to unload the rear springs.
Remove the rear springs.
Remove and discard the nuts and bolts retaining the lower suspension arm and bushings to the axle.

Fig 11: Removing Nuts And Bolts Retaining Lower Suspension Arm And Bushings To Axle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the lower suspension arm and bushings from the axle.

Fig 12: Disconnecting Lower Suspension Arm And Bushings From Axle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the axle from the vehicle.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.