2003 FORD MUSTANG suspension

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Axle Housing
Removal and Installation
1. CAUTION: The vehicle must be on level ground and at curb height.
Mark the rear shock absorbers relative to their protective sleeve. zDuring installation, raise the suspension to this reference mark before tightening the
suspension fasteners.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
3. Remove the rear wheel and tire assemblies. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
4. NOTE: If necessary, use Rust Penetrant and Inhibitor F2AZ-19A501- A meeting Ford
specification ESR-M99C56- A to loosen the sensor for removal.
Remove the rear anti- lock brake sensors from the rear disc brake adapters. For additional
information, refer to Section 206 - 09A .
5. Disconnect the parking brake cables and conduits from the rear disc brake calipers. For additional information, refer to Section 206 - 05 .
SECTION 205-
02B: Rear Drive Axle/Differential — Ford 8.8-Inch Ring
Gear 2003 Mustang Workshop
Manual Klj . 1 ba
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9. Remove the stabilizer bar. For additional information, refer to
Section 204 - 02 .
10. Position a suitable transmission jack under the differential housing (4010) for support and strap it securely in place.
11. Remove and discard the nuts and bolts retaining the upper suspension arm and bushings to the differential housing. Klj . 3 ba
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12. Remove and discard the nuts and bolts retaining the shock absorbers to the axle.
13. Lower the differential housing to unload the rear springs.
14. Remove the rear springs.
15. Remove and discard the nuts and bolts retaining the lower suspension arm and bushings to the
axle.
16. Disconnect the lower suspension arm and bushings from the axle. Klj . 4 ba
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17. Remove the axle from the vehicle.
18.
CAUTION: Align the index marks on the driveshaft centering socket yoke and the
pinion flange.
CAUTION: Install the driveshaft with new bolts. If new bolts are not available, apply
Threadlock and Sealer EOAZ-19554- AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSK-
M2G351- A5 to the threads of the original bolts.
CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the pinion flange
pilot. To make sure that the yoke seats squarely on the flange, tighten the bolts evenly in
a cross pattern as shown.
CAUTION: Raise the suspension to the reference marks on the rear shock
absorbers before tightening the suspension fasteners.
NOTE: Apply High Temperature Nickel Anti- Sieze Lubricant F6AZ-9L494-AA meeting Ford
specification ESE-M124A- A to the rear anti-lock brake sensor body where it will make contact
when installed.
Follow the removal procedure in reverse order.
zRefer to Section 204 - 02 for rear suspension fastener tightening specifications.
z Refer to Section 204 - 04 for wheel nut tightening specification. Klj . 5 ba
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a
Use Stud and Bearing Mount EOAZ-19554- BA or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSK-
M2G349- A1.
b With pinion flange yoke seal. Pinion nose crossmember nut 250 184 —
Toe link nut 47 35 —
Shock absorber to lower suspension arm and bushing 133 98 —
Knuckle to lower suspension arm and bushing 115 85 —
Knuckle to upper suspension arm and bushing 90 66 —
Filler plug 34 25 —
Ring gear bolt
a 105 77 —
Differential pinion shaft lock bolt 30 22 —
Bearing cap bolt 105 77 —
Differential housing cover bolt 32 24 —
Pinion bearing preload
—(drive pinion collapsible spacer) used bearings b 0.9-
1.16 — 8-14
New pinion bearings 1.8-
3.2 — 16-
29 Traction-
Lok® clutch gauge nut 6.7 — 60
Initial minimum breakaway torque 27 20 —Klj . 2 ba
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Axle Housing
Removal
1. CAUTION: The vehicle must be on level ground and at curb height.
Mark the rear shock absorbers relative to their protective sleeve. zDuring installation, raise the suspension to this reference mark before tightening the
suspension component fasteners.
SECTION 205-
02C: Rear Drive Axle/Differential — Ford 8.8-Inch IRS 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Plug Set, Differential
205-
294 (T89P-4850- B) Protector, Differential Seal
(Pair)
205-
461 Remover, Halfshaft
205-
475 Remover, Steering Arm
211-
003 (T64P-3590- F) Klj . 1 ba
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Disconnect the parking brake cable and conduit from the parking brake lever and the caliper.
For additional information, refer to
Section 206 - 05 .
8. Separate the parking brake cable and conduit from the knuckle.
9. Remove the rear brake disc. For additional information, refer to Section 206 - 04 .
z Remove the rear brake caliper and support bracket from the knuckle as an assembly.
Wire the caliper and support bracket assembly out of the way.
10. Remove the rear brake anti- lock sensor and position it aside.
11. Support the lower suspension arm and bushing with a jack stand.
12. Remove and discard the nut and bolt.
13. Remove and discard the cotter pin and nut. Klj . 3 ba
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14.
CAUTION: Do not strike the toe link or the knuckle to disconnect the toe link from
the knuckle.
Using the special tool, disconnect the toe link from the knuckle.
15. Mark the cam bolt position relative to the upper suspension arm and bushing.
16. Disconnect the knuckle from the lower suspension arm and bushing. 1. Remove and discard the nut and bolt.
2. Disconnect the knuckle from the lower suspension arm and bushing. Klj . 4 ba
142003 Mustang Workshop Manual
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