2003 FORD MUSTANG height

5. Remove the special tool 014-
00942.
6. Raise the suspension until the shock absorber is compressed to the alignment mark (curb height).
7. Tighten the lower arm- to-axle pivot bolt.
8. Lower the rear suspension and remove the jack stand.
Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 2V engine
9. Install the stabilizer bar. For additional information, refer to Stabilizer Bar in this section.
All vehicles 10. Install the parking brake cable bracket and a new bolt. Klj . 4 ba
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z
wheel bearing life.
z brake cooling.
New wheels need to be installed when vehicle's wheels:
zare bent.
z are cracked.
z are dented.
z are heavily corroded.
z are leaking.
z have elongated wheel hub bolt holes.
z have excessive lateral or radial runout.
Wheel and tire assemblies are attached by six wheel nuts.
It is mandatory to use only the tire sizes recommended on the tire chart attached to the vehicle. Larger
or smaller tires can damage the vehicle, affect durability, and require changing the speedometer
calibration. Make sure wheel size and offsets match those recommended for the tire in use. 1. Inspect for signs of uneven wear that may indicate a need for balancing, rotation, front suspension alignment, damaged tie- rod, or steering components.
2. Check tires for: zcuts.
z stone bruises.
z abrasions
z blisters.
z embedded objects.
3. Tread wear indicators are molded into the bottom of the tread grooves. Install a new tire when the indicator bands become visible.
Symptom Chart Symptom Chart Condition
Possible Sources Action
z Tires show
excess wear on
edge of tread z
Underinflated tires. zADJUST air pressure
in tires.
z Vehicle overloaded. zRETURN vehicle.
NOTIFY customer of
overload condition.
z High- speed cornering. zRETURN vehicle.
NOTIFY customer of
cause of condition.
z Incorrect ride height. zSET ride height.
z Incorrect wheel alignment. zSET alignment to
specification. REFER Klj . 2 ba
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WARNING: Do not balance the wheels and tires while they are mounted on the vehicle.
Possible tire disintegration/differential failure could result, causing personal injury/extensive
component damage. Use an off- vehicle wheel and tire balancer only.
Most vibration in the rear end is caused by tires or driveline angle.
Vibration is a concern with modern, high- mileage tires if they are not "true" both radially and laterally.
They are more susceptible to vibration around the limits of radial and lateral runout of the tire and
wheel assembly. They also require more accurate balancing. Wheel and tire runout checks, truing and
balancing are normally done before axle inspection. Refer to Section 204 - 04 .
Driveline Angle
Driveline angularity is the angular relationship between the engine crankshaft (6303), the driveshaft,
and the rear axle pinion. Factors determining driveline angularity include ride height, rear spring, and
engine mounts.
Driveline Angle
An incorrect driveline (pinion) angle can often be detected by the driving condition in which the
vibration occurs.
zA vibration during coastdown from 72 to 56 km/h (45 to 35 mph) is often caused by an
excessive U-joint angle at the axle (pinion nose downward).
z A vibration during acceleration, from 56 to 72 km/h (35 to 45 mph) may indicate an excessive U- joint angle at the axle (pinion nose upward). Item Description
1 Bottom of the frame
2 Engine crankshaft centerline
3 Engine angle
4 Driveshaft and coupling shaft centerline
5 Driveshaft and coupling shaft angle
6 Rear axle pinion centerline
7 Axle pinion angle Klj . 4 ba
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GENERAL PROCEDURES
Driveline Angle Inspection
NOTE:
An incorrect driveline angle can cause a vibration or shudder. For additional information, refer
to Section 100 - 04 .
1. Check the vehicle for evidence or overload or sagging. Check for specified air pressures information in all four tires.
2. Normalize the suspension.
3. Drive the vehicle onto a drive- on hoist or back onto a front-end alignment rack.
4. Inspect the suspension and chassis. Verify that the vehicle curb position ride height is within specification. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 00 .
z Measure the curb position ride height with the vehicle empty and all fluids full.
5. Place the Inclinometer flush against the bottom of the driveshaft. After the tool has been held on the driveshaft surface for 5 seconds, push the ALT ZERO button to calibrate to zero degrees.
Remove the tool.
6. To check the pinion angle, rotate the driveshaft so that the rear axle pinion flange yoke ear is parallel to the floor. Remove the U- joint snap ring, then install the special tool. Check and record
the pinion angle reading.
zIf the angle is not within specification, repair or adjust to obtain the correct angle. Inspect
the rear suspension, rear axle, rear axle mounting or the frame for wear or damage.
SECTION 205-
00: Driveline System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
Anglemaster II Driveline
Inclinometer
164-
R2402 or equivalent Klj . 1 ba
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Axle Assembly
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. CAUTION: Index- mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange (4851) to maintain
initial balance during installation.
CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the pinion flange
pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the yoke
from the flange. Pry only in the area shown, with a suitable tool, to disconnect the yoke
from the flange.
Disconnect and position the driveshaft out of the way. For additional information, refer to
Section 205 - 01 .
SECTION 205-
02A: Rear Drive Axle/Differential — Ford 7.5-Inch Ring
Gear 2003 Mustang Workshop
Manual Klj . 1 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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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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14.
CAUTION: Install the hardened washer between the lower suspension arm and
bushing and the shock absorber. Failure to do so can result in damage and failure of the
lower suspension arm and bushing.
Position the shock absorber, and install the bolt and the new nut.
15. Install the other halfshaft and knuckle assembly, toe link, and shock absorber as described in the previous steps.
16. Raise the suspension until the shock absorbers compress to the previously established alignment mark (curb height).
17. Tighten the nut. Klj . 11 ba
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