Axle Assembly: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise the rear axle into position, using a transmission jack.
- Seat the air springs.

Fig 1: Supporting Rear Axle Housing

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the 2 lower control arm bolts and 2 nuts.
- Tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).

Fig 2: Lower Control Arm Bolts & Nuts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the 2 upper control arm bolts and 2 nuts.
- Tighten to 105 Nm (77 lb-ft).

Fig 3: Upper Control Arm Bolts & Nuts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the shock absorbers.
- Position the shock absorbers into the retainer brackets, and tighten the 2 nuts and bolts.
  - Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).

Fig 4: Shock Absorber Lower Nuts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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: Watts Linkage Retainer Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If equipped with rear air springs, install the height sensor.

Fig 6: Height Sensor

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the 2 rear stabilizer bar bracket bolts.
- Tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).

Fig 7: Rear Stabilizer Bar Bracket

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the rear stabilizer bar link bushings, washers and nuts.
- Tighten to 20 Nm (15 lb-ft).

Fig 8: Rear Stabilizer Bar Link Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Position the rear driveshaft and align the marks on the pinion flange.

Fig 9: Aligning The Index Marks On The Pinion Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: 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 the vehicle is equipped with a fire suppression system, repower the system. For important safety warnings and procedures, refer to FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM article. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

Repower the fire suppression system.