FORD MUSTANG 2003 Workshop Manual

All vehicles
1. NOTE: Inspect the insulators for wear or damage. Install new insulators if necessary.
Install the upper insulator on the spring.
2. Install the lower insulator on the lower arm.
3. Install the rear spring. Make sure the pigtail on the lower arm is at the rear of the vehicle and pointing toward the left side of the vehicle.
4. Install the pivot bolt. 1. Carefully raise the lower arm into position with the special tool 014- 00942.
2. Install a new pivot bolt and nut. Do not tighten at this time. Klj . 3 ba
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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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11. Connect the anti-
lock sensor wire.
12. Lower the vehicle. Klj . 5 ba
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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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12. Unclip the ABS sensor wires from the subframe.
13. Support the lower suspension arm and bushings (5A649) with jack stands.
14. Remove the nuts, bolts and disconnect the shock absorbers (18125) from the lower suspension
arm and bushings. Discard the bolts and nuts.
15. Lower the lower suspension arm and bushings and remove the jack stands.
16. Support the rear subframe using the special tool 014- 00765.
17. Remove and discard the nuts from the subframe front bolts. Klj . 3 ba
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18. Remove and discard the subframe rear bolts.
19. Remove the springs (5560).
1. Carefully lower the subframe with the special tool 014- 00765, allowing the subframe to
pivot on the front bolts.
2. Remove the springs and the spring insulators (5536).
Installation 1. NOTE: Inspect the spring insulators for wear or damage. Install new spring insulators if
necessary.
Make sure the spring insulators are correctly installed on the springs. Klj . 4 ba
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2. Install the springs.
1. Position the springs.
2. Raise the subframe using the special tool 014- 00765.
3. Install new bolts.
4. Remove and discard the subframe front bolts.
5. Install new bolts and nuts. Tighten the bolts. Klj . 5 ba
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6. Remove the special tool 014-
00765.
7. Support the lower suspension arm and bushings with jack stands.
8. CAUTION: Make sure the hardened washer is installed 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.
Connect the shock absorbers to the lower suspension arm and bushing and install new bolts
and nuts.
9. Clip the ABS sensor wires to the subframe.
10. Install the ABS sensors and the bolts. Klj . 6 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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