Front
Lower Arm4.0L and 4.6L shown, 5.4L similar:
Removal and Installation
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 or an equivalent part must be installed, if installation is necessary. Do not use a part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Maintenance/Service and Repair.
2. CAUTION: Note the orientation of the lower ball joint nut and bolt. They must be installed using the same orientation.
Remove the lower ball joint nut and bolt.
^ To install, tighten the nut to 103 Nm (76 ft. lbs).
3. Separate the lower control arm and the wheel spindle.
4. Remove the steering gear bolts. Position the steering gear to gain access to the lower control arm forward bolt.
^ To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs).
5. CAUTION: Do not damage the steering gear boot while removing or installing the lower control arm forward bolt.
Remove the lower control arm forward nut and bolt.
^ To install, tighten to 175 Nm (129 ft. lbs).
6. NOTE: To ease installation, the position of the lower control arm nut and flag bolt can be reversed to allow installation of the nut from underneath the vehicle.
Remove the lower control arm rearward nuts and flag bolts.
^ To install, tighten to 175 Nm (129 ft. lbs).
7. Remove the lower control arm and bracket assembly.
8. Remove the 3 heat shield bolts.
^ To install, tighten to 7 Nm (62 inch lbs).
9. Remove the heat shield.
10. CAUTION: Tighten the lower control arm and lower ball joint nuts with the suspension at curb height.
CAUTION: The lower ball joint seal must be fully seated against the knuckle or premature damage to the ball joint can occur.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.