2003 FORD MUSTANG suspension

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Upper Arm
Removal
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital
components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with
the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. If substitution is
necessary, the part must be of the same finish and property class. Torque values must be used
as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
1. Mark the rear shock absorber (18125) relative to the protective sleeve with the vehicle in a static, level ground position (curb height).
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
3. Support the differential housing with a jack stand.
4. Disconnect the upper arm and bushing (5500) from the axle. 1. Remove and discard the nut and bolt.
2. Disconnect the arm and bushing from the axle.
5. Remove the upper arm and bushing from the mounting bracket. 1. Remove and discard the nut and bolt.
2. Remove the arm and bushing.
SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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Installation
1. Install the upper arm and bushing to the mounting bracket. 1. Position the arm and bushing.
2. Install a new nut and bolt. Do not tighten at this time.
2. Connect the upper arm and bushing to the axle. 1. Position the arm and bushing.
2. Install a new nut and bolt. Do not tighten at this time.
3. Raise the suspension until the shock absorber is compressed to the previously established alignment mark (curb height). Klj . 2 ba
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4. Tighten the arm and bushing-
to-mounting bracket bolt.
5. Tighten the arm and bushing- to-axle bolt.
6. Lower the suspension and remove the jack stand.
7. Lower the vehicle. Klj . 3 ba
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Upper Arm —
Cobra
Removal
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital
components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with
the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. If substitution is
necessary, the part must be of the same finish and property class. Torque values must be used
as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
1. Mark the rear shock absorber (18125) relative to the protective sleeve with the vehicle in a static, level ground position (curb height).
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
3. Remove both wheel and tire assemblies. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
4. Remove the rear brake disc. For additional information, refer to Section 206 - 04 .
5. Remove the rear springs (5560). For additional information, refer to Spring — Cobra in this
section.
6. Raise the subframe into position and remove the front bolts.
7. Lower the subframe from the vehicle.
8. Mark the cam bolt position relative to the upper suspension arm and bushing (5500).
SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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9.
NOTE: Mark a new cam bolt in the same position as the old one for assembly reference before
discarding the old bolt.
Disconnect the upper suspension arm and bushing from the knuckle (5A968/5A969). 1. Remove and discard the nut and bolt.
2. Disconnect the upper suspension arm and bushing.
10. Remove the upper suspension arm and bushing. 1. Remove and discard the nuts and bolts.
2. Remove the upper suspension arm and bushing.
Installation CAUTION: The upper suspension arm and bushing nuts must be tightened with the
suspension at curb height. Failure to do so can result in bushing failure, resulting in poor ride
and handling.
NOTE: If installing a new upper suspension arm and bushing, mark the cam bolt side of the new arm
in the same position as the old arm for assembly reference.
1. Install the upper suspension arm and bushing. 1. Position the arm and bushing on the subframe. Klj . 2 ba
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2. Install new bolts and nuts. Do not tighten the nuts at this time.
2. Connect the upper suspension arm and bushing to the knuckle. 1. Position the arm and bushing.
2. Install a new cam bolt and a new nut. Do not tighten the nut at this time.
3. Raise the subframe into position and install new front bolts.
4. Install the springs. For additional information, refer to Spring — Cobra in this section.
5. Position a jack stand under the lower suspension arm and bushing.
6. Raise the suspension until the shock absorber is compressed to the alignment mark (curb height). Klj . 3 ba
52003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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7. Tighten the nuts.
8. Position the cam bolt so the marks are aligned. Tighten the nut.
9. Lower the suspension and remove the jack stand.
10. Install the rear brake disc. For additional information, refer to Section 206 - 04 .
11. Install the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Check wheel alignment, adjust if necessary. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 00 . Klj . 4 ba
52003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Lower Arm
Removal
CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital
components and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with
the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. If substitution is
necessary, the part must be of the same finish and property class. Torque values must be used
as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
1. Mark the rear shock absorber (18125) relative to the protective sleeve with the vehicle in a static, level ground position (curb height).
2. Remove the muffler assembly(ies). For additional information, refer to Section 309 - 00 .
3. Remove the rear spring (5560). For additional information, refer to Spring — Coil in this section.
4. Remove the lower suspension arm and bushing (5A649) from the body attachment. 1. Remove and discard the bolt and nut.
2. Remove the lower arm.
Installation 1. Install the lower suspension arm and bushing to the body attachment. 1. Position the lower arm. 2. Install a new bolt and a new nut. Do not tighten at this time. SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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