Front Suspension Ford Econoline E250

SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

The front suspension consists of the following components

1. Coil springs
2. Front (I-beam) axles
3. Radius arms
4. Shock absorbers
5. Stabilizer bar
6. Wheel spindles
7. Wheel studs

The front suspension system is a coil spring and shock absorber type design. The wheel spindles are attached to the front axles with ball joints. The axle is a twin I-beam, non-driving type that uses radius arms to control longitudinal movement.

Refer to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION .

Removal and Installation

Note. 8-lug shown in illustration, 5-lug similar.

Scheme 16

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

1. Remove the brake disc and hub. For additional information, refer to «FRONT DISC BRAKE»(/ford/econoline-e250/2012-2013/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#front-disc-brake-system) .
2. Using a suitable press, remove the wheel stud from the brake disc and hub.
3. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Wheel Studs - Dual Rear Wheel (DRW)

SPECIAL TOOLS CHART Installer/Remover, C-Frame and Screw 211-023 (T74P-3044-A1)

Scheme 19

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

1. Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to «WHEELS AND TIRES»(/ford/econoline-e250/2012-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#wheels-tires) .
2. Using the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover, remove and discard the wheel stud.

Installation

1. Position the new wheel stud, aligning the serrations in the wheel adapter flange made by the original wheel stud.
2. Place approximately 4 washers over the outside end of the wheel stud and thread a standard wheel nut onto the wheel stud with the flat side against the washers.
3. Tighten the wheel nut until the wheel stud head seats against the back side of the wheel extension flange.
4. Remove the wheel nut and washers.
5. Install the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to «WHEELS AND TIRES»(/ford/econoline-e250/2012-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#wheels-tires) .

Scheme 22

Note. Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure correct retention of these parts.

1. Remove the front spring. For additional information, refer to «SPRING»(/ford/econoline-e250/2012-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) .
2. Remove and discard the shock absorber lower nut and disconnect the shock absorber from the radius arm. To install, tighten the new nut to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
3. Remove and discard the radius arm rearward nut and flag bolt. To install, tighten the new nut to 350 Nm (258 lb-ft).
4. Remove the radius arm-to-axle nut and bolt, the spring retainer and the insulator. Discard the nut and bolt. To install, tighten the new nut to 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).
5. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Scheme 23

Note. Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure correct retention of these parts.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to «JACKING & LIFTING»(/ford/econoline-e250/2012-2013/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-lifting) .
2. Remove and discard the 2 stabilizer bar link lower nuts. To install, tighten the new nuts to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
3. Remove the 2 stabilizer bar bracket rearward bolts. Discard the 2 bolts. To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
4. Remove the 2 stabilizer bar bracket forward bolts and the 2 stabilizer bar brackets. Discard the 2 bolts. To install, tighten to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft).
5. Remove the stabilizer bar.
6. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Scheme 24

Note. Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure correct retention of these parts.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to «JACKING & LIFTING»(/ford/econoline-e250/2012-2013/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-lifting) .
2. Remove and discard the stabilizer link upper nut. To install, tighten the new nut to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
3. Remove and discard the stabilizer link lower nut and remove the stabilizer bar link. To install, tighten the new nut to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
4. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Wheel Spindle

SPECIAL TOOLS CHART Separator, Ball Joint 204-592

Scheme 25

Scheme 26

Note. Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure correct retention of these parts.

Scheme 27

1. If installing a new wheel spindle, remove the brake disc. If the wheel spindle is being removed to service the ball joints, remove the brake pads. For additional information, refer to «FRONT DISC BRAKE»(/ford/econoline-e250/2012-2013/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#front-disc-brake-system) .
2. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector and detach the sensor harness from the brake hose.
3. Remove the outer tie-rod end cotter pin, retainer and nut. Discard the cotter pin. To install, tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
4. Using the Ball Joint Separator, disconnect the outer tie-rod end.
5. Remove and discard the upper ball joint bolt. To install, tighten the new bolt to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
6. Remove and discard the lower ball joint cotter pin and nut. To install, tighten the new nut to 150 Nm (111 lb-ft). Install a new cotter pin.
7. Remove the wheel spindle in the following sequence. Strike the lower end of the axle to loosen the ball joint. Remove the wheel spindle.
8. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
9. Check and, if necessary, align the front end. For additional information, refer to «SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION»(/ford/econoline-e250/2012-2013/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-information) .

Ball Joint

SPECIAL TOOLS CHART Installer/Remover, Ball Joint 204-355 Installer/Remover, Ball Joint 204-358 Installer/Remover, C-Frame and Screw 205-086 (T74P-4635-C)

Scheme 28

Scheme 29

Scheme 30

Scheme 31

Scheme 32

1. Remove the wheel spindle. For additional information, refer to «WHEEL SPINDLE»(/ford/econoline-e250/2012-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__wheel-spindle) .
2. Remove the lower ball joint grease plug.
3. Position the wheel spindle in a vise and remove the snap ring from the lower ball joint.
4. Using the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover and Ball Joint Installer/Remover, remove the lower ball joint.
5. Using the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover and Ball Joint Installer/Remover, remove the upper ball joint.

Scheme 33

1. Using the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover and Ball Joint Installer/Remover, install the upper ball joint.
2. Using the C-Frame and Screw Installer/Remover and Ball Joint Installer/Remover, install the lower ball joint.
3. Install the snap ring in the groove at the bottom of the lower ball joint.
4. Install the lower ball joint grease plug.
5. Install the wheel spindle. For additional information, refer to «WHEEL SPINDLE»(/ford/econoline-e250/2012-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__wheel-spindle) .

Shock Absorber

Note. LH shown in illustration, RH similar.

Scheme 34

Note. Vehicles with 6.8L engine, RH side only.

Scheme 35

Removal

Note. Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the performance of vital components and systems. Failure can result in major service expense. When replacing suspension fasteners, use the same part number or an equivalent part number. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

1. If equipped with a 6.8L engine, remove the RH shock absorber upper heat shield bolt and heat shield.
2. Remove and discard the shock absorber upper nut, washer and bushing assembly.
3. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to «JACKING & LIFTING»(/ford/econoline-e250/2012-2013/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-lifting) .
4. Remove and discard the shock absorber lower nut and washer.
5. Remove the shock absorber.

1. Position the shock absorber and loosely install the new lower nut and washer.
2. Position the shock absorber assembly up into the frame hole and install the new shock absorber upper nut washer and bushing assembly. Tighten to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).
3. Tighten the shock absorber lower nut and washer to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
4. If equipped with a 6.8L engine, install the RH shock absorber upper heat shield and heat shield bolt. Tighten to 23 Nm (17 lb-ft).

Scheme 36

Note. Vehicles with 6.8L engine, RH side only.

Scheme 37

Note. Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital components and systems and their failure may result in major service expense. New parts must be installed with the same part numbers or equivalent part, if replacement is necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure correct retention of these parts.

1. Remove and discard the stabilizer bar link lower nut and disconnect the link from the axle. To install, tighten the new nut to 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).
2. Using a suitable jack, support the front axle.
3. If equipped with a 6.8L engine, remove the RH side heat shield bolt and heat shield. To install, tighten the new bolt to 23 Nm (17 lb-ft).
4. Remove and discard the shock absorber upper nut and bushing. To install, tighten the new nut to 63 Nm (46 lb-ft).
5. Remove and discard the spring upper bracket bolt and remove the spring upper bracket. To install, tighten the new bolt to 23 Nm (17 lb-ft).
6. Using the jack, lower the front axle and remove the spring.
7. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Scheme 38

Note. Suspension fasteners are critical parts that affect the performance of vital components and systems. Failure can result in major service expense. When replacing suspension fasteners, use the same part number or an equivalent part number. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

1. Remove the wheel spindle. For additional information, refer to «WHEEL SPINDLE»(/ford/econoline-e250/2012-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__wheel-spindle) .
2. Remove the radius arm. For additional information, refer to «RADIUS ARM»(/ford/econoline-e250/2012-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) .
3. Remove and discard the axle pivot nut and bolt and remove the axle.

1. Position the axle and install a new axle pivot bolt and nut.
2. Install the radius arm. For additional information, refer to «RADIUS ARM»(/ford/econoline-e250/2012-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension) .
3. Install the wheel spindle. For additional information, refer to «WHEEL SPINDLE»(/ford/econoline-e250/2012-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension__wheel-spindle) .
4. With the weight of the vehicle on the wheels, tighten the axle pivot nut to 175 Nm (129 lb-ft).
5. Check and, if necessary, align the front end. For additional information, refer to «SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION»(/ford/econoline-e250/2012-2013/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-system-general-information) .

See also:
• SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION
• FRONT DISC BRAKE
• WHEELS AND TIRES
• JACKING & LIFTING
• SPRING
• WHEEL SPINDLE