Transaxle Support Insulator: Removal

All vehicles 

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.
2. Remove the battery and battery tray. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES article.
3. Remove the 4 screws and position the LH fender splash shield aside.
Fig 1: Locating LH Fender Splash Shield Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
4. Remove the 6 pin-type retainers and the LH front structure-to-subframe splash shield.
Fig 2: Locating LH Front Structure-To-Subframe Splash Shield
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5. Remove the lower 2 transaxle insulator-to-frame bolts.
Fig 3: Locating Bolts On Rear Transaxle Insulator
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

3.0L engine 

6. Install the Engine Lifting Bracket and Universal Adapter Bracket "L" hook on the LH side of the engine.
Fig 4: Identifying Universal Lifting Brackets
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
7. Install the Engine Support Bar to support the engine.
Fig 5: Installing Engine Support Bar To Support Engine
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
8. Remove the 2 transaxle support insulator-to-bracket bolts.
Fig 6: Locating Transaxle Insulator Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

3.5L engine 

9. Remove the exhaust Y-pipe. For additional information, refer to EXHAUST SYSTEM article.
NOTE: The Oil Pan Holding Fixture must be carefully aligned to the mounting bosses on the oil pan. Failure to follow these instructions may result in damage to the oil pan.
10. Position a floor jack and the Oil Pan Holding Fixture under the oil pan.
Fig 7: Positioning Floor Jack & Special Tool (303-1295) Under Oil Pan
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
11. Remove the air cleaner. For additional information, refer to ENGINE - 3.5L article.
12. Remove the transaxle support insulator through bolt.
Fig 8: Identifying Transaxle Support Insulator Through Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All vehicles 

NOTE: 3.0L engine shown, 3.5L engine similar.
13. Remove the upper 2 transaxle insulator-to-frame bolts and remove the transaxle insulator.
Fig 9: Locating Upper Bolts On Rear Transaxle Insulator
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.