CAUTION: All front suspension fasteners are important attaching parts in that they could affect the performance of vital parts and systems, and/or could result in major service expense. Any part must be replaced with one of the same part number or with an exact equivalent part if replacement becomes necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during assembly to ensure proper retention of this part.

Never attempt to heat, quench or straighten any front suspension part. Replace with a new part.

Coil Spring

Tools Required:

• Spring Compressor Tool (2.3L Mustang) T82P-5310-A
• Spring Compressor Tool (5.0L Mustang) D78P-5310-A
• Tie Rod End Remover TOOL-3290-D

Removal

1. Raise vehicle on a hoist, allowing the control arms to hang free. Refer to Section 00-02.

2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.

3. Remove the brake caliper, then wire it out of the way to obtain working room.

4. Disconnect the tie rod assembly from the steering spindle using Tie Rod End Remover TOOL-3290-D or equivalent.

5. Disconnect stabilizer bar link from lower arm.

6. Remove the steering gear bolts if necessary, and position the gear so that the suspension arm bolt may be removed.

7. On Mustang with 2.3L engine use Spring Compressor Tool T82P-5310-A to place the upper plate in position into the spring pocket cavity on the crossmember. The hooks on the plate should be facing the center of the vehicle.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

8. On Mustang with 5.0L engine use Spring Compressor Tool D78P-5310-A or equivalent, to install a plate between coils near the toe of the spring. Mark location of upper plate on coils for installation. Use care not to nick spring coils when installing upper plate.
   
   
   
   

9. Install the compression rod into the lower arm spring pocket hole, through the coil spring, into the upper plate.

10. Install the lower plate, lower ball nut, thrust washer and bearing, and forcing nut onto the compression rod.
    
    
    
    

11. Tighten the forcing nut on the compressor tool until a drag on the nut is felt.

12. Remove the suspension arm-to-crossmember nuts and bolts. The compressor tool forcing nut may have to be tightened or loosened for easy bolt removal.

13. Loosen the compression rod forcing nut until spring tension is relieved and remove the forcing nut.

14. Remove the compression rod and coil spring.
    
    
    
    

Installation

NOTE: Ensure the spring pigtail is positioned between the two holes in the lower arm spring pocket. Refer to illustration under Stabilizer Bar Link Insulators.

1. Place the insulator on the top of the spring. Position the spring into the lower arm spring pocket.

2. Position spring into upper spring seat in crossmember.

3. On Mustang with 2.3L engine, insert the compression rod through the control arm and spring, then hook it to the upper plate. The upper plate is installed with the hooks facing the center of the vehicle.

4. On Mustang with 5.0L engine, install upper plate between coils in location marked during removal.

5. Install lower plate, ball nut, thrust washer and bearing, and forcing nut onto compression rod.

6. Tighten forcing nut, position lower arm into crossmember, and install new lower arm-to-crossmember bolts and nuts. Do not tighten at this time.

7. Remove spring compressor tool from vehicle. On Mustang with 5.0L engine, use care when removing upper plate to avoid nicking the spring coils.

8. With a suitable jack, raise the suspension arm to a normal attitude position. Tighten the lower arm-to-crossmember retaining nuts to 149-203 Nm (110-149 lb-ft). Remove the jack.

9. Install the steering gear-to-crossmember bolts and nuts (if removed). Hold the bolts, and tighten the nuts to 122-135 Nm (90-99 lb-ft).

10. Connect the stabilizer bar link to the lower suspension arm. Tighten the attaching nut to 8-24 Nm (6-17 lb-ft).

11. Position the tie rod assembly into the steering spindle, and install the retaining nut. Tighten the nut to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft), and continue tightening the nut to align the next castellation with cotter pin hole in the stud. Install a new cotter pin.

12. Install the brake caliper. Refer to Section 06-03.

13. Install wheel and tire assembly. Tighten wheel lug nuts to 115-142 Nm (85-105 lb-ft). Lower vehicle.