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.

Control Arm, Lower

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. If necessary, remove the brake caliper, then wire it out of the way to obtain working room. Remove the brake rotor and dust shield. Refer to Section 06-03.

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

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

6. Disconnect stabilizer bar link from lower arm.

7. Remove and discard the cotter pin from the ball joint stud nut, and loosen the ball joint nut one or two turns. Do not remove the nut at this time.Tap the spindle boss sharply to relieve the stud pressure.

8. 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 toward the center of the vehicle.

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

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

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

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

13. Remove and discard ball joint stud nut, and raise entire strut and spindle assembly. Wire it out of the way to obtain working room.

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

15. Loosen the compression rod forcing nut until spring tension is relieved, then remove the forcing nut, lower suspension arm and coil spring.

Installation

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

   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.

2. Position the spring and lower arm onto the compression rod. On Mustang with 5.0L engine, install upper plate between coils in location marked during removal. Install the lower plate, lower ball nut, thrust washer and bearing, and forcing nut onto the compression rod.

3. Tighten the forcing nut and position the lower arm into the crossmember. Install new lower arm-to-crossmember bolts and nuts. Do not tighten at this time.

4. Remove the wire from the strut and spindle assembly, pull the assembly down, and attach to the ball joint stud. Install a new ball joint stud nut. Do not tighten at this time.

5. With a suitable jack, raise the suspension arm to a normal attitude position. Remove the compressor tool. On Mustang with 5.0L engine, use care when removing upper plate to avoid nicking the spring coils.

6. With the jack still in place, tighten the lower arm-to-crossmember retaining nuts to 149-203 Nm (110-149 lb-ft).

7. Tighten ball joint stud nut to 108-163 Nm (80-120 lb-ft), and install a new cotter pin. Do not back-off nut to install cotter pin. Tighten nut to align holes. Remove jack.

8. Install the brake dust shield, rotor, and brake caliper, if removed. Refer to Section 06-03.

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

10. 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.

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

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

13. Check front wheel alignment and adjust if out of specification. Refer to Section 04-00.