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-   -   Rear Suspension Installation (http://www.streetstangs.net/showthread.php?t=10351)

1sicklx 10-05-2007 12:48 PM

Rear Suspension Installation
 
This write up will cover the how-to basics of upgrading your rear suspension components; springs, shocks, upper and lower control arms to be specific. Well, let's get started.

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...rearend002.jpg

1. Jack up the rear of the car and support with jack stands under the axle housing AND frame. Remove wheels for easy access to suspension components. **Only placing stands under the axle will result in car falling once the spring is removed.**

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2. If the quad shocks are being replaced this would be the time to do so, however we elected to stay with the stock pieces at the time.

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http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...rearend003.jpg

3. From the hatch or trunk, use an impact wrench for easy removal of the upper shock mounting nut and bushing.

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http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...rearend004.jpg

4. From under the car, remove the lower shock mounting bolt. The old shock can now be removed.

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http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...rearend005.jpg

5. Here you can see the correct order of bushing and washers. (the nut, washer, and upper bushing to be installed once the shock is in place) The OEM nut/bushing can be discarded with the stock shock as it is unique to the Ford piece. New shocks come with the necessary hardware and bushings.

**Do not forget to prime new shocks prior to installation!**

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1sicklx 10-05-2007 01:53 PM

Rear Suspenstion Installation cont.
 
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...rearend006.jpg

6. Feed the new shock into place from under the vehicle. Make sure that the upper shaft passes through the hold in the trunk floor. Torque the lower shock mounting nut and bolt to 57-75 ft-lbs.

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*Pic coming soon*

7. From inside the trunk or hatch, install the bushing, washer, and nut over the protruding shock shaft. Torque the nut until the bushing barely bulges. [25 ft-lbs]

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http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...rearend013.jpg

8. Removal of the rear springs begins by disconnecting the rear sway bar (if equipped) from the lower control arms.

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http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...rearend014.jpg

9. With a jack placed securely under the lower control arm, remove the rear mounting bolt.

**Before lowering the jack, double check to ensure jack stands are under both the axle and frame!**

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http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...rearend015.jpg

10. Lower the jack slowly and the rear spring will simply fall out.

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1sicklx 10-05-2007 02:20 PM

Rear Suspenstion Installation cont.
 
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...rearend017.jpg

11. Since the upper and lower control arms are also being replaced, it is necessary to unbolt the cat-back to allow access to the front mounting bolt for the lower control arms and for easier access to the upper control arms later.

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http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...rearend022.jpg

12. Here the correct order of bushings and washers is shown for HPM control arms.

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http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...rearend016.jpg

13. Here is an example of why it's not a bad idea to buy a new set of spring isolators when upgrading suspension pieces.

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http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...rearend023.jpg

14. With the front mounting bolt reinstalled, jack up the control arm back in place.

**Lower spring pigtail should point to the left side of the car.**
**Don't forget to thoroughly grease the control arm bushings.**

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*Pic coming soon*

15. Line up the control arm bushing with the axle mount and reinstall the rear mounting bolt. Torque to 75-95 ft-lbs.

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1sicklx 10-05-2007 02:40 PM

*Pic coming soon*

16. It is necessary to use nuts to reinstall the factory sway bar, as the HPM sway bar mounting setup differs from the factory arms.

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* Unfortunately I failed to take any pics while replacing the upper control arms but will take some reference pics later.*

17. To replace the upper control arms, (with jack stands still in place) remove the mounting bolts and remove the control arm.

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18. Position the arm into the upper mounting bracket (body side) and reinstall the mounting bolt. Do not tighten at this time.

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19. Using the floor jack, raise the suspension until the upper arm-to-axle mounting hole is in alignment with the control arm bushing. Install the lower mounting bolt (axle side) with the nut facing inward, and torque to 70-100 ft-lbs. The upper mounting bolt should be torqued to 80-105 ft-lbs.

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20. Remove jack stands and slowly lower the vehicle. There you have it, installation complete.

QWKSNKE 10-28-2007 07:59 PM

Good write up Jon. I have those same LCA's on the 93

1sicklx 10-30-2007 03:55 AM

Thanks Lee, still got to get the front suspension installed before the 3rd or she won't be able to run at track day ... cutting it pretty close.

SkurdalenFox 10-31-2007 11:37 AM

It's not entirely clear from the pictures because they are at an angle. But, from photos 12 and 14, it looks like you need to trim the bushings a bit.


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