height FORD MUSTANG 2003 User Guide

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-
01: Front Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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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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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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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Upper Arm
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. Support the differential housing with a jack stand.
4. Disconnect the upper arm and bushing (5500) from the axle. 1. Remove and discard the nut and bolt.
2. Disconnect the arm and bushing from the axle.
5. Remove the upper arm and bushing from the mounting bracket. 1. Remove and discard the nut and bolt.
2. Remove the arm and bushing.
SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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Installation
1. Install the upper arm and bushing to the mounting bracket. 1. Position the arm and bushing.
2. Install a new nut and bolt. Do not tighten at this time.
2. Connect the upper arm and bushing to the axle. 1. Position the arm and bushing.
2. Install a new nut and bolt. Do not tighten at this time.
3. Raise the suspension until the shock absorber is compressed to the previously established alignment mark (curb height). 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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9.
NOTE: Mark a new cam bolt in the same position as the old one for assembly reference before
discarding the old bolt.
Disconnect the upper suspension arm and bushing from the knuckle (5A968/5A969). 1. Remove and discard the nut and bolt.
2. Disconnect the upper suspension arm and bushing.
10. Remove the upper suspension arm and bushing. 1. Remove and discard the nuts and bolts.
2. Remove the upper suspension arm and bushing.
Installation CAUTION: The upper suspension arm and bushing nuts must be tightened with the
suspension at curb height. Failure to do so can result in bushing failure, resulting in poor ride
and handling.
NOTE: If installing a new upper suspension arm and bushing, mark the cam bolt side of the new arm
in the same position as the old arm for assembly reference.
1. Install the upper suspension arm and bushing. 1. Position the arm and bushing on the subframe. Klj . 2 ba
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2. Install new bolts and nuts. Do not tighten the nuts at this time.
2. Connect the upper suspension arm and bushing to the knuckle. 1. Position the arm and bushing.
2. Install a new cam bolt and a new nut. Do not tighten the nut at this time.
3. Raise the subframe into position and install new front bolts.
4. Install the springs. For additional information, refer to Spring — Cobra in this section.
5. Position a jack stand under the lower suspension arm and bushing.
6. Raise the suspension until the shock absorber is compressed to the alignment mark (curb height). Klj . 3 ba
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REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Lower Arm
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. Remove the muffler assembly(ies). For additional information, refer to Section 309 - 00 .
3. Remove the rear spring (5560). For additional information, refer to Spring — Coil in this section.
4. Remove the lower suspension arm and bushing (5A649) from the body attachment. 1. Remove and discard the bolt and nut.
2. Remove the lower arm.
Installation 1. Install the lower suspension arm and bushing to the body attachment. 1. Position the lower arm. 2. Install a new bolt and a new nut. Do not tighten at this time. SECTION 204-
02: Rear Suspension 2003 Mustang Workshop Manual Klj . 1 ba
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