Cougar/XR7 V8-4.6L VIN W (1997)
Suspension Spring ( Coil / Leaf ): Service and Repair
Installation
1. If a new rear spring is to be installed, it must first be compressed and caged. If original rear spring was removed with Rotunda Spring Cages
164-R3555 or equivalent, duplicate the positions of the cages on the new rear spring. Install cages by first compressing rear spring in Coil Spring
Compressor D78P-5310-A or equivalent.
NOTE: Compress rear spring with rear spring center mounting insulators installed to prevent plates from slipping.
2. If original rear spring was broken, compress new rear spring in Coil Spring Compressor D78P-5310-A or equivalent and install three spring cages
in positions shown under Removal, Step 5. If original length of rear spring is not known, such as when replacing a broken rear spring, compress
rear spring to approximately 267 mm (10.5 inches) overall length (not including rubber rear spring center mounting insulators).
3. Install rear spring center mounting insulators if removed.
4. Install rear spring, with cages in place, onto upper and rear suspension arm and bushings.
NOTE: Short cage (without adjuster) must be inboard. Spring pigtails may be in any position.
5. Position two jackstands under front bumper reinforcement to prevent rear of vehicle from lifting off hoist.
6. Position jack under rear suspension arm and bushing and raise rear suspension arm and bushing up to rear wheel knuckle bores. Make sure spring
seats properly. Install bolts and nuts retaining rear suspension arm and bushing to rear wheel knuckle. Tighten nuts to 149-201 Nm (110-148 ft.
lbs.).
7. Remove wire supporting rear wheel knuckle, rear disc brake caliper and rear suspension arm and bushing.
8. Install lower shock absorber mount bolt washer and nut. While holding bolt, tighten nut to 128-172 Nm (95-126 ft. lbs.).
9. Remove jack and jackstands.
10. Remove spring cages.
11. Connect parking brake rear cable and conduit at rear disc brake caliper.
12. Install rear stabilizer bar link and bushing and retaining nuts at both ends of rear stabilizer bar.
13. Install rear wheel and tire assembly.
14. Lower vehicle.
15. Drive vehicle onto alignment rack.
16. Set rear suspension arm adjusting cam kit to mark made at time of removal.
17. Tighten front rear suspension arm and bushing-to-rear sub-frame nut to 225-275 Nm (166-202 ft. lbs.). Tighten rear lower rear suspension arm
and bushing-to-sub-frame nut to 192-259 Nm (142-191 ft. lbs.).
18. Check rear wheel toe setting and adjust as necessary.