Strut And Spring Assembly: Removal

WARNING: The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle, this can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch located in the RH kick panel area. Failure to do so can result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the rear air springs, which can result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.

Place the steering column in the unlocked position.
Turn the air suspension service switch off.

Fig 1: Turning Air Suspension Service Switch Off
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Open the hood and loosen the shock tower nuts.

Fig 2: Loosening Shock Tower Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Raise the vehicle on a hoist; for additional information, refer to JACKING & HOISTING .
Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
Remove the bolt and position the front brake hose (2078) away from the front shock absorber (18124).

Fig 3: Removing Brake Hose Bracket-To-Front Shock Absorber Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Use extreme care not to damage the boot seal. Do not use power tools to tighten the nut, or bearing and seal damage can result. Install the nut using the hex hold feature to prevent the stud from rotating.

NOTE: Remove the vinyl cover from the upper link stud before removing the stabilizer bar link retaining nut.

Fig 4: Removing Stabilizer Bar Link Retaining Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link retaining nut.
Disconnect the anti-lock sensor cable and, if equipped, the electronic actuator cable from the front shock absorber bracket.

Fig 5: Locating Anti-Lock Sensor & Electronic Actuator Cables At Front Shock Absorber
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the front fender splash shield.
1. Remove the mounting bolts.
2. Remove the splash shield.
  
  Fig 6: Removing Front Fender Splash Shield
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If equipped, disconnect the electronic actuator cable connector.

Fig 7: Disconnecting Electronic Actuator Cable Connector
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If equipped, disconnect the air suspension height sensor (5359) from the front air suspension sensor pin (5C561).

Fig 8: Disconnecting Air Suspension Height Sensor From Front Air Suspension Sensor Pin
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the pinch bolt and nut from the front wheel knuckle (3K185).

Fig 9: Removing Pinch Bolt & Nut From Front Wheel Knuckle
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not allow the front wheel knuckle and the front wheel driveshaft joint (3B413) to move outward. Over extension of the front wheel driveshaft joint will result in separation of the driveshaft internal parts, causing failure of the joint.

Remove the front wheel knuckle from the front shock absorber.
Partially lower the vehicle.
Remove the shock tower nuts and the front shock absorber from the vehicle.

Fig 10: Removing Shock Tower Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.