Mustang Cobra V8-281 4.6L DOHC VIN V MFI (1997)
8. Install compression rod into lower arm spring pocket hole, through front coil spring, into upper plate.
9. Install lower plate, lower ball nut, thrust washer and bearing, and forcing nut onto compression rod.
10. Tighten forcing nut on compressor tool until a drag on the nut is felt.
11. Remove suspension arm-to-crossmember nuts and bolts. The compressor tool forcing nut may have to be tightened or loosened for easy bolt
removal.
12. Loosen compression rod forcing nut until spring tension is relieved and remove forcing nut.
13. Remove compression rod and front coil spring.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Make sure spring pigtail is positioned between two holes in front suspension lower arm spring pocket.
1. Place the front spring insulator on top of spring. Position front coil spring into front suspension lower arm spring pocket.
2. Position front coil spring into upper spring seat in crossmember.
3. Install upper plate between coils in location marked during removal.
4. Install lower plate, ball nut, thrust washer and bearing, and forcing nut onto compression rod.
5. Tighten forcing nut, position front suspension lower arm into crossmember, and install new front suspension lower arm-to-crossmember bolts and
nuts. Do not tighten at this time.
6. Remove spring compressor tool from vehicle. Use care when removing upper plate to avoid nicking the spring coils.
7. With a suitable jack, raise the front suspension lower arm to a normal position. Tighten front suspension lower arm-to-crossmember retaining nuts
to 191-259 Nm (141-191 ft. lbs.). Remove jack.
8. Install steering gear-to-crossmember bolts and nuts (if removed). Hold bolts, and tighten nuts to 122-135 Nm (90-99 ft. lbs.).
9. Connect front stabilizer bar link to front suspension lower arm. Tighten retaining nut to 16-22 Nm (11-16 ft. lbs.).
10. Position tie rod end assembly into front wheel spindle, and install front axle wheel hub retainer nut. Tighten nut to 300-400 Nm (221-295 ft. lbs.).
11. Install disc brake caliper and front disc brake rotor. See Brakes and Traction Control.
12. Install wheel and tire assembly. Tighten lug nuts to 115-142 Nm (85-104 ft. lbs.). Lower vehicle.
