Ford 8L8Z-5560-C Rear Spring

Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Block the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Remove the wheel. Unclip the brake line from the body and trailing arm mounting brackets. On models with rear disc brakes, remove the caliper and set it aside. Support the trailing arm with a floor jack. On models with rear drum brakes, it may be necessary to disconnect the brake line from the wheel cylinder and move the brake line and bracket out of the way. If equipped, remove the ABS wheel speed sensor and unbolt the harness bracket from the trailing arm. Remove the upper suspension arm. Loosen the lower arm inner bolt. Detach the lower end of the shock absorber from the trailing arm. Mark the position of the spring to the spring insulator. Slowly lower the floor jack, pull the trailing arm down and remove the coil spring. Check the spring for cracks and chips, replacing the springs as a set if any defects are found. Also check the upper insulator for damage and deterioration, replacing it if necessary. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to position the lower end of the coil spring in the depressed area of the trailing arm. Tighten all fasteners to the proper torque specifications.

To disassemble the strut assembly, follow these steps. Clean the strut from external dirt. Mount the strut in a vise. Install coil spring compressor tools, ensuring they are fully engaged. Compress the spring until all tension is relieved from the upper mount. Hold the strut piston rod with an Allen key and unscrew the thrust bearing retaining nut with a box-end wrench. Withdraw the top mounting, thrust bearing, upper spring seat, spring, boot, and bump stop.