Uni-Body System , Subframe System and Mounting System: Other Ford Mustang V

Subframe and Mounting Systems

Underbody misalignment can affect front and rear wheel alignment, the operation of the suspension parts and drivetrain operation. Window glass cracks, door and window opening concerns, and air or water leaks at the doors are often caused by improperly tightened bolts and body misalignment.

Every structural member and outer panel is designed to offer the maximum protection in the event of a collision.

The front subframe is bolted to the body and is used to

1. aid in structural support.
2. provide mounting surfaces for the front suspension control arms.
3. provide a mounting point for the engine isolators.
4. provide a mounting surface for the steering gear.

The front crossmember is bolted to the body and is used to

1. aid in structural support.
2. provide a mounting surface for the front stabilizer bar.
3. support the radiator, cooling fan and evaporator.

The rear support braces are

1. used to aid in structural support.
2. designed to aid in protection of a collision.
3. designed to aid stability in handling.
4. equipped on convertible models only.

Body Misalignment Check

Note. All body alignment measurements are made without trim, and from metal to metal.

1. To check the body alignment, take 2 opposite diagonal measurements between the front, center or rear pillars. Take the measurements between reference points, such as crease lines or weld joints which are diagonally opposite each other on the 2 pillars being measured.

Identifying Underbody Dimensions. Scheme 4

1. Underbody dimension tolerances are ± 3.175 mm (0.125 in). Reference dimensions are not controlled dimensions. Reference points are ± 4.76 mm (0.1875 in). All underbody dimensions are detailed to the centerline of existing holes in the underbody assembly. UNDERBODY DIMENSIONS Dimension Millimeter Inch 1 890.00 35.03 2 1380.29 54.34 3 1288.86 54.36 4 1674.52 65.92 5 1700.28 66.93 6 845.70 33.29 7 830.90 32.71 8 1155.95 45.50 9 1136.55 44.74 10 1380.04 54.33 11 798.21 31.42 12 1251.79 49.28 13 1151.49 45.37 14 934.84 36.84 15 1383.82 54.48 16 1131.23 44.53 17 1351.87 53.22 18 1177.55 46.36 19 995.12 39.17 20 991.87 39.05
2. Inspect all unibody structural members for cracks, twists or bends. Check all welded connections for cracks. Inspect support brackets for looseness.

Subframe and Components - Exploded View, Front

Note. 4.0L subframe shown, all others similar.

Exploded View Of Front Subframe And Components. Scheme 5

1. For additional information, refer to the appropriate procedure in this article.

Subframe - Front, 4.0L

SPECIAL TOOL(S) CHART 3-Bar Engine Support Kit 303-F072 Lifting Bracket Set, Engine 303-050 (T70P-6000)

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to «JACKING & LIFTING»(ref-256445).
2. Remove the 6 pin-type retainers and the upper radiator sight shield.
3. Remove the throttle body. For additional information, refer to «FUEL CHARGING & CONTROLS - 4.0L SOHC»(ref-256469).
4. Remove the power steering bracket bolt and install the special tool. To install, tighten to 47 Nm (35 lb-ft). (Scheme 6): Locating Power Steering Bracket Bolt And Special Tool
5. Remove the 2 engine insulator nuts. To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). NOTE: Using the taller adapters, support the special tool on the shock towers.
6. Install the special tool. (Scheme 7): Identifying Special Tool
7. Using the special tool, raise and support the engine.
8. Remove and discard the lower steering column shaft coupling bolt. To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
9. Separate the lower steering column shaft from the steering gear.
10. Remove the power steering line support bracket bolt. To install, tighten to 11 Nm (8 lb-ft). CAUTION: Support the steering gear with safety wire or damage to the steering gear may occur.
11. Remove the 2 steering gear bolts and position the steering gear aside. To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
12. Remove the 2 lower ball joint nuts and bolts. To install, tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
13. Separate the 2 lower ball joints from the steering knuckles.
14. With a suitable tool, support the subframe.
15. Remove the 4 front subframe bolts at the torque box. To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
16. Remove the 4 front subframe nuts. To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft). NOTE: Two technicians are needed to carry out this step.
17. Lower and remove the front subframe. NOTE: Use a suitable alignment tool with a 15 mm (0.59 in) outside diameter shaft that is long enough to go through the subframe and body. Align the subframe to the body before tightening the subframe bolts and nuts to specification.
18. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Subframe - Front, 4.6L

SPECIAL TOOL(S) CHART 3-Bar Engine Support Kit 303-F072 Lifting Bracket Set, Engine 303-050 (T70P-6000)

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to «JACKING & LIFTING»(ref-256445).
2. Remove the throttle body. For additional information, refer to «FUEL CHARGING & CONTROLS - 4.6L (3V)»(ref-256470).
3. Remove the generator. For additional information, refer to «GENERATOR AND REGULATOR»(ref-256462).
4. Install the special tool. (Scheme 8): Identifying Special Tool
5. Remove the 2 engine insulator nuts. To install, tighten to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). NOTE: Using the taller adapters, support the special tool on the shock towers.
6. Install the special tool. (Scheme 9): Identifying Special Tool
7. Using the special tool, raise and support the engine.
8. Remove and discard the lower steering column shaft coupling bolt. To install, tighten to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft).
9. Separate the lower steering column shaft from the steering gear.
10. Remove the power steering line support bracket bolt. To install, tighten to 11 Nm (8 lb-ft). CAUTION: Support the steering gear with safety wire or damage to the steering gear may occur.
11. Remove the 2 steering gear bolts and position the steering gear aside. To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
12. Remove the 2 lower ball joint nuts and bolts. To install, tighten to 103 Nm (76 lb-ft).
13. Separate the 2 lower ball joints from the steering knuckles.
14. With a suitable tool, support the subframe.
15. Remove the 4 front subframe bolts at the torque box. To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft).
16. Remove the 4 front subframe nuts. To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft). NOTE: Two technicians are needed to carry out this step.
17. Lower and remove the front subframe. NOTE: Using a suitable alignment tool with a 15 mm (0.59 in) outside diameter shaft that is long enough to go through the subframe and body. Align the subframe to the body before tightening the subframe bolts and nuts to specification.
18. To install, reverse the removal procedure.

Scheme 13