Axle Assembly: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Use additional support straps to secure the rear axle to the High-Lift Transmission Jack.

Raise the rear axle into position, using a High-Lift Transmission Jack.
- Seat the air springs.
  
  Fig 1: Supporting Rear Axle Housing With Suitable Jack
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the lower control arm bolts and nuts.
- Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 2: Installing Lower Control Arm Bolts And Nuts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the upper control arm bolts and nuts.
- Tighten to 105 Nm (77 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 3: Installing Upper Control Arm Bolts And Nuts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the shock absorbers.
- Position the shock absorbers into the retainer brackets, and tighten the nuts and bolts.
  - Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
    
    Fig 4: Installing Shock Absorbers
    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the High-Lift Transmission Jack.
Install the Watts linkage on the rear axle housing.
- Install the retainer nut on the bellcrank stud.
  - Tighten to 250 Nm (185 lb-ft).
    
    Fig 5: Installing Watts Linkage On Rear Axle Housing
    Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If equipped with rear air springs, install the height sensor.

Fig 6: Installing Height Sensor
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the rear stabilizer bar bracket bolts.
- Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 7: Installing Rear Stabilizer Bar Bracket Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the rear stabilizer bar link nuts.
- Tighten to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 8: Installing Rear Stabilizer Bar Link Nuts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the rear driveshaft and align the marks on the pinion flange.

Fig 9: Identifying Index Marks On Pinion/Driveshaft Flanges
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the rear axle pinion flange pilot. To make sure that the yoke seats squarely on the flange, tighten the bolts evenly in a cross pattern.

Install the 4 driveshaft bolts.
- Tighten to 112 Nm (83 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 10: Identifying Driveshaft Flange Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the rear disc brake calipers. For additional information, refer to REAR DISC BRAKE .

WARNING: If equipped with fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM .

Lower the vehicle.
If equipped with rear air springs, turn on the air suspension switch.