Thunderbird V8-4.6L VIN W (1997)
Part 2 Of 2
1. Position front shock absorber spring and upper mount assembly over front suspension lower arm. Insert lower shock bolt into front suspension
lower arm.
2. Using transmission jack or similar device, raise front suspension lower arm and front shock absorber into position. Align upper shock mounting
studs with holes.
3. Remove wire supporting front wheel spindle and position front wheel spindle to upper front suspension lower arm. Raise lower front suspension
lower arm using jack and attach front wheel spindle to upper front suspension arm ball joint.
4. Install new front suspension arm bushing to front wheel spindle retaining bolt (from front of vehicle) and nut. Tighten nut to 68-92 Nm (51-67 ft.
lbs.).
5. Position stabilizer bar link and lower front wheel spindle assembly until stabilizer bar link can be installed.
6. Install nut on stabilizer bar link stud. Tighten to 40-55 Nm (30-40 ft. lbs.).
7. Remove jack from front suspension lower arm.
8. Install lower shock nut. Do not tighten at this time.
9. Install tire and wheel assembly. Tighten lug nuts to 115-142 Nm (85-104 ft. lbs.). Do not use power tools, use torque wrench.
10. Lower vehicle, making sure upper shock mounting studs are aligned with holes.
11. Install shock absorber housing seal and three nuts to upper mounting studs. Tighten to 22-31 Nm (17-22 ft lb).
12. Install plastic front shock absorber strut cover cup.
CAUTION: To prevent front suspension lower arm strut bushing wind-up, lower shock nut must be tightened with vehicle weight on wheels.
13. Position vehicle on "drive on" hoist or alignment rack. Neutralize front suspension lower arm strut bushings (3A 140) by pushing down on front of
vehicle and releasing. Then tighten lower front shock absorber nut to 170-230 Nm (126-169 ft lb).
