Removal

Fig. 6 F-150 (4x4) and Bronco With Coil Springs:

1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist or lack and install safety stands under the radius arm brackets.

2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly and brake caliper.

3. Disconnect the steering linkage from the steering knuckles according to the procedures in Steering Linkage.

4. Position jack under axle arm assembly and remove the upper coil spring retainers. Lower the lack and remove the coil spring, spring cushion and lower spring seat.

NOTE: The axle arm assembly must be supported on the jack throughout spring removal and installation, and must not be permitted to hang by the brake hose. If the length of the brake hose is not sufficient to provide adequate clearance for the removal and installation of the spring, the disc brake caliper must be removed according to the procedures specified in Disc Brakes-Light and Heavy Duty Sliding Caliper. After removal, the caliper must be placed on the frame or otherwise supported to prevent suspending the caliper from the caliper hose. These precautions are absolutely necessary to prevent serious damage to the tube portion of the caliper hose assembly.

5. Disconnect the shock absorber at the radius arm and upper mounting bracket.

6. Remove the stud and spring seat at radius arm and axle arm. Remove bolt securing upper attachment to axle arm radius arm to lower attachment axle arm.

7. Disconnect the vent tube at the differential housing and discard the hose clamps. Remove the vent fitting and install a 1/8 inch pipe plug.

8. Remove the pivot bolt securing the right hand axle arm assembly to crossmember Remove and discard the keystone clamps and remove the boot from the shaft. Remove the right drive axle assembly and pull the axle shaft from the slip shaft.

9. Position a jack under the differential housing. Remove the bolt securing the left hand axle assembly to the crossmember. Remove the left hand drive axle assembly.