Ford Explorer: Uni-Body, Subframe and Mounting System / Removal and Installation - Rear Subframe

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

	300-OTC1585AE Powertrain Lift
Vehicle/Axle Stands
Wooden Block

Removal

NOTICE: Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the performance of vital components and systems. Failure of these fasteners may result in major service expense. Use the same or equivalent parts if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Tighten fasteners as specified.

1. Remove the wheels and tires.
   Refer to: Wheel and Tire (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the rear driveshaft.
   Refer to: Rear Driveshaft (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTE: Front mounting location shown.

   On both sides.
   Index-mark the subframe assembly for reference during installation.
   

1. NOTE: Rear mounting location shown.

   On both sides.
   Index-mark the subframe assembly for reference during installation.
   

1. Support the lower arm.
   Use the General Equipment: Vehicle/Axle Stands

1. On both sides.
   Remove and discard the rear shock absorber lower nut and bolt.
   

1. Detach wiring harness clip form kncukle and position aside. Remove brake hose holdling bolt.
   Torque: 133 lb.in (15 Nm)

1. NOTICE: Do not allow the caliper to hang from the brake hose or damage to the hose can occur.

   NOTE: It is not necessary to disconnect the hydraulic brake line.

   On both sides.
   Remove the brake caliper bolts and position the brake caliper aside.
   

1. Detach diffrential vent tube clips from body.
   

1. Remove rear suspension height sensor. REFER to: Rear Suspension Height Sensor (204-05 Vehicle Dynamic Suspension, Removal and Installation).
   

1. NOTICE: When positioning the lifting table, be sure to support the rear subframe assembly on the subframe rails. Do not lift on the rear differential or rear lower control arms, damage may occur.

   Position the special tool under the rear subframe assembly.
   Use the General Equipment: Vehicle/Axle Stands

1. Remove and discard the rear subframe assembly forward bracket bolts and rear subframe assembly bracket bolts.
   

1. Lower the rear subframe assembly from the vehicle.
   Use Special Service Tool: 300-OTC1585AE  Powertrain Lift.
   Use the General Equipment: Wooden Block

Installation

1. Raise and align the rear subframe assembly to the witness marks made during removal.
   Use Special Service Tool: 300-OTC1585AE  Powertrain Lift.
   Use the General Equipment: Wooden Block

1. NOTE: Only tighten the bolt finger tight at this stage.

   On both sides.
   Position the subframe and install the new rear subframe assembly front and rear bracket bolts.
   Torque:
      1:   41 lb.ft (55 Nm)
      2:   148 lb.ft (200 Nm)

1. On both sides.
   Position the brake caliper and install the new brake caliper bolts.
   Torque: 122 lb.ft (165 Nm)

1. Support the lower arm.
   Use the General Equipment: Vehicle/Axle Stands

1. On both sides.
   Install the new rear shock absorber lower bolt and nut.
   Torque: 59 lb.ft (80 Nm)

1. Install the rear driveshaft.
   Refer to: Rear Driveshaft (205-01 Driveshaft, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Install the wheels and tires.
   Refer to: Wheel and Tire (204-04A Wheels and Tires, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Check and if necessary adjust rear camber.
   Refer to: Rear Camber Adjustment (204-00 Suspension System - General Information, General Procedures).