Contents: Removal ↳ Installation ↳
Removal
1. With the front wheels blocked, loosen the rear wheel nuts on the side you are interested in. Jack up the rear of the car and place it on supports placed on both sides under the chassis. Support the rear axle with a jack.
2. Unscrew the nuts and remove the rear wheel (or wheels).
3. Unscrew the spring shackle retaining nuts, then use a soft metal punch to remove the mounting plates and the shackle pivot pins (see Figure 20.3).
Figure 20.3. Rear spring clevis.
4. After unscrewing the nut and removing the washer of the front spring mount, knock out the bolt holding it with a soft metal punch (see Figure 20.4).
Figure 20.4. Rear spring mounting bolt.
5. Unscrew the U-bolt nuts and remove them along with the pressure plate: after this, the rear spring can be lifted off the rear axle and removed through the bottom of the car (see Figure 20.5).
Figure 20.5. Rear spring to axle mounting details: 1. U-bolt, 2. U-bolt nut, 3. Shock absorber mounting nut.
6. After inspecting the mounting bushings and checking the condition of the earrings, U-bolts and spring leaves, replace all defective elements with new ones. Replace the self-locking nuts with new ones every time you remove them.
Installation
7. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal, but please note the following additional points:
- a) The axle pins and nuts must not be fully tightened until the vehicle is lowered to the ground and on all wheels;
- b) When installing the spring on the bridge, place it completely on the central guide bolt and only then proceed to install the U-bolts and clamping pads;
- c) Tighten all nuts and bolts to the specified torque;
- d) On models with a load distribution valve, have your Ford dealer check the valve adjustment as soon as possible.
[The full article is on the online resource: fordbook]