Suspension: Description and Operation

Fig. 1 Twin I-Beam front axle:

Fig. 2 Spindle used with twin I Beam front axle. Typical:

EXC. 4 WHEEL DRIVE MODELS

Twin I-Beam Axle
As illustrated in Fig. 1 there are two I-beam axles, one for each front wheel. One end of each axle is attached to the spindle and a radius arm and the other end is attached to a frame bracket on the opposite side of the vehicle.
Each spindle is held in place on the axle by ball joints or a spindle bolt which pivots in bushings pressed in the upper and lower ends of the spindle, Fig. 2. On models equipped with spindle bolts, a thrust bearing is installed between the lower end of the axle and the spindle to support the load on the axle. On all models, a spindle arm is installed on each spindle for attachment to the steering linkage.

Fig. 3 Independent front suspension. Bronco & F-150 Four Wheel Drive. 1981---87 shown (similar to 1980):

4 WHEEL DRIVE MODELS

Bronco & F-150
The independent front suspension on these vehicles is composed of a two piece front driving axle assembly, two coil springs and two radius arms, Fig. 3. The front driving axle consists of two independent yoke and tube assemblies. One end of yoke and tube assembly is anchored to the frame. The other end of each yoke and tube assembly is supported by the coil spring and radius arm.