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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Spring —
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. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
2. Support the No. 1 crossmember with a jack stand.
3. Remove both wheel and tire assemblies. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
4. Remove both mufflers. For additional information, refer to Section 309 - 00 .
5. Remove the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to Section 205 - 01 .
6. Disconnect the parking brake cable and conduits from the parking brake levers.
7. Remove the clip and disconnect the parking brake cable and conduits from the rear brake calipers. SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Rotunda Powertrain Lift
014-00765 or Equivalent Klj . 1 ba
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8. Disconnect the parking brake cable and conduits from the knuckles (5A968/5A969).
9. Remove the bolts and the parking brake cable brackets.
10. Remove the bolts and the rear brake lines.
11. Remove the bolts and the ABS sensors. Klj . 2 ba
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11. Connect the rear brake lines and install the bolts.
12. Connect the parking brake cable and conduits to the lower suspension arm and bushings and
install the bolts.
13. Connect the parking brake cable and conduits to the knuckles. 14. Connect the parking brake cable and conduits to the rear brake calipers and install the clips. Klj . 7 ba
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15. Connect the parking brake cable and conduit to the parking brake levers.
16. Install the driveshaft. For additional information, refer to
Section 205 - 01 .
17. Install both mufflers. For additional information, refer to Section 309 - 00 .
18. Install both wheel and tire assemblies. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
19. Remove the jack stand from the No. 1 crossmember.
20. Bleed the brake system. For additional information, refer to Section 206 - 00 .
21. Check wheel alignment. Adjust if necessary. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 00 . Klj . 8 ba
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off the floor.
With the engine off, raise only one rear wheel. Install the special tool on the wheel nuts.
Use a torque wrench with a capacity of at least 271 Nm (200 lb-
ft) to rotate the axle shaft. Be sure that
the transmission is in NEUTRAL, and that one rear wheel is on the floor while the other rear wheel is
raised off the floor. The breakaway torque required to start rotation must be at least 27 Nm (20 lb- ft).
The initial breakaway torque may be higher than the continuous turning torque.
The axle shaft must turn with even pressure throughout the check without slipping or binding. If the
torque reading is less than specified, check the differential case. Refer to Section 205 - 02A or
Section 205 - 02B .
Traction- Lok® Differential Check Road Test
1. Place one wheel on a dry surface and the other wheel on ice, mud or snow.
2. Gradually open the throttle to obtain maximum traction prior to break away. The ability to move the vehicle demonstrates correct operation of a Traction- Lok® rear axle assembly.
3. When starting with one wheel on an excessively slippery surface, a slight application of the parking brake may be necessary to help energize the Traction- Lok® feature of the differential.
Release the brake when traction is established. Use light throttle on starting to provide
maximum traction.
4. If, with unequal traction, both wheels slip, the limited slip rear axle has done all it can possibly do.
5. In extreme cases of differences in traction, the wheel with the least traction may spin after the Traction-Lok® has transferred as much torque as possible to the non- slipping wheel. Klj . 15 ba
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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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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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18. Align the marks on the cam bolt and the upper suspension arm and bushing, and tighten the
nut.
19. Repeat the two previous steps for the other knuckle.
20. Lower the suspension and remove the jack stands.
21. Apply Anti- Seize Lubricant to the rear brake anti- lock sensors where they contact the axle
housing and install the anti- lock sensors.
z Use High Temperature Nickel Anti- Seize Lubricant F6AZ-9L494-AA or equivalent
meeting Ford specification ESE- M12A4-A.
22. Install the brake disc, and the rear disc brake caliper and support bracket assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 206 - 04 .
23. Position the parking brake cable and conduit. Klj . 12 ba
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