For 2009 and earlier front-wheel drive models, start by loosening the rear wheel lug nuts, raising the rear of the vehicle, and supporting it securely on jackstands, then remove the wheels. Lower the exhaust system from the rear of the flex pipe and remove the stabilizer bar link to stabilizer bar nuts on both sides. Proceed to remove the bolts holding the sway bar bushing brackets and the sway bar itself. While the sway bar is off the vehicle, inspect the bushings, and if they are cracked, worn, or deteriorated, the sway bar must be replaced. Installation is the reverse of removal, tightening the fasteners to the specified torque values. Install the wheel and lug nuts, then lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque. For 2007 and earlier all-wheel drive models, measure the distance from the center of the rear wheel hub to the fender lip with the vehicle on level ground and under its own weight. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands, then remove the wheels. Remove the rear section of the exhaust system and have an assistant apply the brake while you unscrew the left-side drive axle/hub nut. Remove the left side brake caliper and caliper mounting bracket as an assembly, supporting the caliper with wire or rope to avoid hanging by the brake hose. Push the drive axle stub shaft into the hub with a drive hub remover, then remove the left side upper arm-to-rear knuckle nut and use a ball joint separator to separate the arm from the knuckle. Support the lower suspension arm with a floor jack and raise it slightly to compress the coil spring. Loosen the left-side trailing arm-to-subframe bolt and detach the trailing arm from the knuckle, then detach the left-side toe link from the knuckle. Loosen the left side shock absorber lower mounting bolt, lower the floor jack until the coil spring is almost fully extended, and then remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolt. Remove the nuts and detach the sway bar links from the sway bar, and remove the bolts holding the sway bar bushing brackets and the sway bar. Guide the bar out from the left side of the vehicle, and while the sway bar is off the vehicle, inspect the bushings, replacing the sway bar if the bushings are cracked, worn, or deteriorated. Installation is the reverse of removal, tightening the fasteners to the specified torque values. Install the wheel and lug nuts, then lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the torque.
Posted by FordPartsGiant Specialist