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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Arm —
Lower
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 correct 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 front brake disc shield. For additional information, refer to Section 206 - 03 .
5. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the front suspension lower arm (3078) do not
remove the nut from the ball joint (3050) at this time.
Disconnect the ball joint stud from the arm.
zLoosen the nut two or three turns.
z Sharply rap on the front wheel spindle (3105) at the ball joint connection to disconnect
the ball joint stud.
SECTION 204-
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6. Remove the front brake disc shield.
1. Remove the three shield rivets.
2. Remove the shield.
7. Remove the cotter pin and nut. Discard the cotter pin.
8. CAUTION: Use care not to damage the tie- rod end dust boot.
Using the special tool, disconnect the tie- rod end from the front wheel spindle.
9. CAUTION: To prevent damage to the front suspension lower arm (3078), do not
remove the nut from the ball joint (3050) at this time.
Disconnect the ball joint stud from the front wheel spindle (3105).
zLoosen the ball joint stud two or three turns.
z Sharply rap on the spindle at the ball joint connection to disconnect the ball joint stud. Klj . 2 ba
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Shock Absorber
Removal
WARNING: All vehicles are equipped with gas pressurized shock absorbers which will
extend unassisted. Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorbers during removal or
component servicing. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury.
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. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100 - 02 .
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
3. Remove the front brake disc. For additional information, refer to Section 206 - 03 .
4. Remove the bolt and the ABS sensor.
5. Unclip the ABS sensor wire from the bracket.
6. Remove the nut and the ABS sensor wire bracket.
SECTION 204-
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7. Support the front suspension lower arm (3078) with a jack stand.
8. Disconnect the shock absorber (18124) from the spindle (3105).
1. Remove and discard the nuts and bolts.
2. Disconnect the shock absorber.
9. Carefully lower the front suspension lower arm and remove the jack stand.
10. CAUTION: Do not allow the weight of the vehicle to rest on the front brake disc
shield. Damage to the shield can occur.
Lower the vehicle to access the upper mount nuts and bolt.
11. Remove the shock absorber. 1. Remove the bolt and nuts. Discard the nuts.
2. Remove the shock absorber.
12. Position the shock absorber in a vise. 13. Remove the nut and the front shock absorber mounting bracket (18183). Klj . 2 ba
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SPECIFICATIONS
SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Torque Specifications
Description Nm lb-
ft lb-
in Mustang
Rear shock absorber (upper attachment) 40 30 —
Rear shock absorber (lower attachment) 80 59 —
Shock absorber clevis bracket-to-
axle nut 108 80 —
Upper arm-
to-frame bolt 97 72 —
Upper arm-
to-axle bolt 111 82 —
Lower arm-
to-body attachment bolt 150 111 —
Lower arm-
to-axle bolt 150 111 —
Stabilizer bar-
to-lower arm bolt 55 41 —
Parking brake cable bracket 55 41 —
Axle damper front bolt 90 66 —
Axle damper rear nut 90 66 —
Axle damper bracket-
to-frame bolt 80 59 —
Pinion bumper mount-
to-body bolts 14 10 —
Bracket assembly-
to-differential housing bolt 48 35 —
Wheel nuts 129 95 —
Cobra
Subframe-to-
body bolts 103 76 —
Subframe-to-
rear bracket bolts 103 76 —
Subframe rear bracket-
to-body bolts 80 59 —
Shock absorber-
to-lower arm and bushing bolts 133 98 —
Shock absorber-
to-body nuts 40 30 —
Upper arm and bushing-
to-subframe nuts 90 66 —
Upper arm and bushing-
to-knuckle nut 90 66 —
Lower arm and bushing-
to-subframe bolts 250 184 —
Lower arm and bushing-
to-knuckle nut 115 85 —
Toe link-
to-subframe nut 48 35 —
Toe link-
to-knuckle nut 48 35 —
Stabilizer bar bracket bolt 55 41 —
Stabilizer bar link nuts 48 35 —
Rear axle differential rear insulator-
to-axle housing bolts 103 76 —
Rear brake disc dust shield-
to-knuckle bolts 10 — 89
Brake line-
to-rear brake caliper bolt 40 30 —
Parking brake cable bracket-
to-lower arm and bushing bolt 15 11 —
ABS sensor bolt 23 17 — Klj . 1 ba
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Wheel Studs
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. Remove the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
3. Remove the rear brake disc. For additional information, refer to Section 206 - 04 .
4. Using the special tool, remove and discard the wheel stud.
Installation CAUTION: Do not use air tools to install the wheel stud. The serrations in the hub flange
can be stripped.
1. Install the wheel stud. 1. Position a new wheel stud in the hub flange making sure the serrations on the stud line up with the serrations in the flange.
2. Position washers and a reversed wheel nut on the wheel stud.
3. Tighten the wheel nut until the wheel stud seats on the back of the hub flange.
SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Special Tool(s)
C-
Frame and Clamp Assembly
211- 023 (T74P-3044- A1) Klj . 1 ba
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2. Remove the wheel nut and washers. Discard the nut.
3. Install the rear brake disc. For additional information, refer to
Section 206 - 04 .
4. Install the wheel and tire assembly. For additional information, refer to Section 204 - 04 .
5. Lower the vehicle. Klj . 2 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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