Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: 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.

All vehicles

1. Mark the rear shock absorber (18125) relative to the protective sleeve with the vehicle in a static, level ground position (curb height).

Spring - Coil

2. Raise the vehicle.

3. Disconnect the anti-lock sensor wire.

Spring - Coil

4. Remove the bolt and the parking brake cable bracket. Discard the bolt.

Spring - Coil

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.

Spring - Coil

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).

Spring - Coil

    Spring - Coil
    Special Tool(s) Hi-Lift Jack 014-00942 or Equivalent ...

    Installation
    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. ...

    Other materials:

    Component Tests
    Drive Belt Noise/Flutter Drive belt chirp occurs due to pulley misalignment or excessive pulley runout. It can be the result of a damaged pulley or an incorrectly aligned pulley. To correct, determine the area where the noise comes from. Check each of the p ...

    Gear (Disassembly and Assembly)
    Special Tool(s) Head Mounting Fixture 303-D041 (D83L-500-B1) or Equivalent Inner Tie Rod Socket Tool 211-D025 (D90P-3290-A) or Equivalent Steering Gear Holding Fixture 211-D011 (D87P-3504-B) or Equivalent Material ...

    Component Tests
    Grid Wire Test 1. Using a bright lamp inside the vehicle, inspect the wire grid from the exterior. A broken grid wire will appear as a brown spot. 2. Run the engine at idle. Set the rear window defrost switch to ON. The indicator light should co ...