Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: 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 & LIFTING .
Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
Remove the wheel knuckles. For additional information, refer to FRONT SUSPENSION - FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) .
Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link bolt and disconnect the stabilizer bar from the frame.
- To install, tighten to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
Disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness from the radius arms.
Remove the 2 brake hose bracket bolts and position the brake hose brackets aside.
- To install, tighten to 18 Nm (159 lb-in).
  
  Fig 1: Locating Brake Hose Bracket Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Index-mark the driveshaft to the pinion flange to maintain correct driveline balance.

Remove and discard the 4 driveshaft flange bolts and 2 retainers, and disconnect the driveshaft at the front axle. Wrap electrical tape around the bearing cups and using mechanic's wire, position the front driveshaft aside.
- To install, tighten to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 2: Locating Driveshaft Flange Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: It is necessary to load the suspension to remove the trackbar. Load the springs by allowing most of the front vehicle weight to rest on the axle.

Support the axle with a suitable jack, and lower the vehicle enough to relieve the tension on the trackbar. Remove and discard the trackbar ball joint nut. Using the Steering Arm Remover, disconnect the trackbar at the axle, then using mechanic's wire, position the trackbar aside.
- Relieve the load on the suspension after disconnecting the trackbar.
- Maintain the jack support of the axle assembly.
- To install, tighten to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 3: Disconnecting Track Bar From Ball Joint
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the vent tube and the routing clip.
Position aside the hublock vacuum hoses.
- On the LH side of the axle, remove the hublock vacuum hose bolt.
- Position aside the hublock vacuum hoses.
- To install, tighten to 20 Nm (177 lb-in).
  
  Fig 4: Locating Hublock Vacuum Hoses And Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
WARNING: Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorber or strut tube. The shock absorber and strut tube are gas pressurized and could explode if heated. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

Remove and discard the 2 lower shock bolts.
- To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 5: Locating Lower Shock Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Lower the axle.
Remove the front coil springs.

Fig 6: Locating Front Coil Springs
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the 4 trailing arm bolts.
- To install, tighten to 300 Nm (221 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 7: Locating Trailing Arm Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Lower the axle from the vehicle.

Fig 8: Locating Axle Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.