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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Spring
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 or an equivalent part must be installed, if installation is necessary. Do
not use a part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified
during reassembly to ensure proper retention of these parts.
1. Mark the front shock absorber (18124) 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 the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
4. Remove the cotter pin and nut. Discard the cotter pin.
SECTION 204-
01: Front Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Tie-
Rod End Remover
211- 001 (TOOL- 3290-D) or
Equivalent Coil Spring Compressor
204-
D001 (D78P-5310- A) or
Equivalent Klj . 1 ba
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5.
CAUTION: Use care not to damage the tie- rod end dust boot.
Using the special tool, disconnect the tie- rod from the spindle.
6. Disconnect the front stabilizer bar link (5K483) from the front suspension lower arm (3078). 1. Remove the nut and bushing.
2. Disconnect the link.
7. CAUTION: Do not allow the intermediate shaft to rotate while it is disconnected
from the gear or damage to the clockspring can occur. If there is evidence that the
intermediate shaft has rotated, the clockspring must be removed and recentered. For
additional information, refer to Section 501 - 20B .
Remove the bolt and disconnect the intermediate shaft from the gear. zDiscard the bolt. Klj . 2 ba
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8.
CAUTION: Correctly support the power rack and pinion steering gear to avoid
damaging the gear and hoses.
Position the power rack and steering gear out of the way. 1. Remove the nuts and bolts.
2. Position the steering gear so the front suspension lower arm front bolt can be removed.
9. Support the front suspension lower arm with a jack stand inboard of the spring seat.
10. NOTE: Note position of the front coil spring (5310) in the lower arm spring seat. It must be
installed in the same position.
Using the special tool, compress the spring until it is loose in the spring insulator (5415). 11. Remove the front suspension lower arm pivot nuts and bolts. Klj . 3 ba
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12. Lower the front suspension lower arm and remove the jack stand.
13. Remove the spring.
1. Swing the front suspension lower arm out of the fender well.
2. Remove the spring and the spring insulator.
Installation 1. Install the spring. 1. Position the spring and spring insulator in the front suspension lower control arm.
2. Swing the arm into the fender well. Klj . 4 ba
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2. Position a jack stand under the front suspension lower control arm inboard of the spring seat
and raise the arm into position.
3. NOTE: The front suspension lower arm nuts must be tightened with the suspension at curb
height.
Install the bolts and nuts. Do not tighten the bolts at this time.
4. Make sure the spring is correctly positioned in the front suspension lower arm. 1. Spring must not cover this hole.
2. Spring must cover this hole.
5. Remove the special tool. Klj . 5 ba
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6. Move the jack stand under the front suspension lower arm ball joint and raise the suspension
until the shock absorber is compressed to the previously established alignment mark (curb
height).
7. Tighten the nuts.
8. Remove the jack stand.
9. Install the power rack and pinion steering gear. Klj . 6 ba
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10. Position the intermediate shaft and install the bolt.
11. Connect the stabilizer bar link to the front suspension lower arm.
1. Install the link and bushing.
2. Install the nut.
12. Connect the tie- rod end to the spindle.
1. Install the tie- rod end into the spindle.
2. Install the nut.
3. Install a new cotter pin.
13. Install the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
14. Lower the vehicle.
15. Check wheel alignment. Adjust if necessary. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 00 . Klj . 7 ba
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Klj . 8 ba
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