Page 147 of 4378
GENERAL PROCEDURES
Toe Adjustment —
Front
1. Start the engine and center the steering wheel.
2. Turn the engine off, and hold the steering wheel in the straight forward position by attaching a rigid link from the steering wheel to the seat.
3. Check the toe settings. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Remove the clamps.
5. Loosen the nuts. zClean and lubricate the nut(s) and front wheel spindle tie- rod threads.
6. NOTE: Do not allow the steering gear bellows to twist when the front wheel spindle tie- rod
(3280) is rotated.
Rotate the front wheel spindle tie- rods.
SECTION 204-
00: Suspension System — General Information 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
32003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...
Page 230 of 4378
4. Remove the bolt and the parking brake cable bracket. Discard the bolt.
Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 2V engine 5. Remove the stabilizer bar (5A772). For additional information, refer to Stabilizer Bar in this
section.
All vehicles 6. Support the differential housing with a jack stand.
7. Position the special tool 014- 00942 under the rear lower suspension arm and bushing- to-axle
pivot bolt.
8. Remove and discard the pivot bolt and nut.
9. Remove the spring (5560). 1. Slowly lower the arm with the special tool 014- 00942.
2. Remove the rear spring and the rear spring insulators (5536). Installation Klj . 2 ba
52003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...
Page 232 of 4378
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
52003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...
Page 251 of 4378

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
Safety Precautions
WARNING: Never run the engine with one wheel off the ground, for example, when
changing a tire. The wheel(s) resting on the ground could cause the vehicle to move.
WARNING: The tire and wheel must always be correctly matched. It is very important to
determine the size of each component before any assembly operations commence. Failure to
adhere to these instructions can result in an explosive separation and cause serious bodily
injury or death.
WARNING: Aftermarket aerosol tire sealants are extremely flammable. Always question
the customer to make sure these products have not been used.
WARNING: Aftermarket wheel assemblies may not be compatible with the vehicle. Use of
incompatible wheel assemblies can result in equipment failure and possible injury. Use only
approved wheel assemblies.
WARNING: Use only wheels and wheel nuts that have been designed for current model
year Ford trucks. Aftermarket wheels or wheel nuts may not fit or function correctly, and can
cause personal injury or damage the vehicle.
WARNING: Always wear safety goggles or a face shield when performing any work with
tire and wheel assemblies.
CAUTION: Do not clean aluminum wheels with steel wool, abrasive- type cleaners or
strong detergents. Use Custom Bright Metal Cleaner 8A-19522- A or equivalent meeting Ford
specifications ESR- M5B194-B.
CAUTION: Reduce the air pressure as much as possible by pushing the valve core
plunger in prior to removing the valve core. Avoid working in a position in which the face or
body is directly over a tire in which there is pressure.
When performing any inspection or repair procedures on wheels (1007/1015) and tires, follow the
preceding safety precautions. SECTION 204-
04: Wheels and Tires 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
22003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...
Page 254 of 4378

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Wheels And Tires
Inspection and Verification
WARNING: A vehicle equipped with a Traction- Lok® differential will always have both
wheels driving. If, while the vehicle is being serviced, only one wheel is raised off the ground
and the rear axle is driven by the engine, the wheel on the ground could drive the vehicle off
the stand or jack. Be sure both rear wheels are off the ground.
WARNING: Never run the engine with one wheel off the ground, for example, when
changing a tire. The wheel(s) resting on the ground could cause the vehicle to move.
WARNING: Do not balance the wheels and tires while they are mounted on the vehicle.
Possible tire disintegration or differential failure could result, causing personal injury and
extensive component damage. Use off- vehicle wheel and tire balancer only.
Be sure to follow the warnings when carrying out inspection and verification.
Road Test
Verify the customer concern by carrying out a road test on a smooth road. If any vibrations are
apparent, refer to Section 100 - 04 .
To maximize tire performance, inspect for signs of incorrect inflation and uneven wear, which may
indicate a need for balancing, rotation, or front suspension alignment.
Correct tire pressure and driving techniques have an important influence on tire life. Heavy cornering,
excessively rapid acceleration and unnecessary sharp braking increases tire wear.
Replacement tires must follow the recommended:
ztire sizes.
z speed rating.
z load range.
z tire construction type.
Use of any other tire size or type can seriously affect:
zride.
z handling.
z speedometer/odometer calibration.
z vehicle ground clearance.
z tire clearance between the body and chassis.
SECTION 204-
04: Wheels and Tires 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
42003 Mustang Workshop Manual
17. 11. 2011file:///C:/Ford/2000 - 2004/tsocache/SHEF_4464/S3B~us~en~ ...
Page 256 of 4378