Wheel Alignment Specifications & Procedures Ford Thunderbird IX

ADJUSTMENT

Note. Adjustment procedure must be performed before alignment or ride height is checked so air suspension system will vent to trim. If vehicle is 20°F (-7°C) or more colder or warmer than alignment area, time must be allowed for vehicle to match alignment area temperature.

Pre-Alignment Procedure

1. Drive onto alignment rack and position vehicle. Turn ignition to "OFF" and exit vehicle. Level rack as necessary. Reenter vehicle and turn ignition to "RUN" (DO NOT start).
2. Allow one minute for vehicle to level. Push trunk release, turn off ignition and exit vehicle. Allow 20 seconds for vehicle to vent to trim height (all doors closed).
3. Turn off air suspension system switch in trunk on left front side panel. Check for proper ride height. If necessary, adjust front ride height by moving front left and/or right lower sensor attaching stud.
4. There are three adjustment positions provided on bracket. Loosen attaching bolt and adjust as necessary. A one position change to sensor attachment point will result in 1/2" change up or down.
5. Rear suspension ride height is adjusted by moving rear sensor attaching bracket up or down relative to right rear arm (slot adjustment is provided on bracket). Loosen attaching nut and adjust up or down as required. One index mark change to sensor attachment point will result in 1/4" change up or down.

CASTER

Note. Caster is factory set and cannot be changed. Camber and toe-in are adjustable. DO NOT attempt to adjust alignment by bending suspension or steering components.

CAPRI, CROWN VICTOR, COUGAR, GRAND MARQUIS, MARK VII, MUSTANG, THUNDERBIRD & TOWN CAR

1. If adjustment is required, remove pop-rivet in camber plate. Loosen 3 nuts which hold camber plate to body apron.
2. Camber is adjusted by moving top of shock strut to desired position. Retighten nuts. It is not necessary to replace pop-rivet.

TOE-IN

Note. When tie rod jam nuts are loosened for adjustment, threads must be cleaned, lubed and tightened. DO NOT grip threads while loosening jam nut or tear rubber boot on tie rod during adjustment.

1. Start engine (power steering only). Move steering wheel back and forth several times until wheel is centered. Turn off engine. Lock steering wheel into position with steering wheel holder.
2. Loosen jam nuts on each tie rod assembly. Adjust toe. If steering wheel spokes are in their normal position, lengthen or shorten both tie rods equally to obtain correct toe.
3. When toe and steering wheel spoke position are both correct, lubricate jam nuts and tighten. The jam nuts and boots on each side of vehicle must be positioned (Scheme 1)

Toe-In Adjustment Clean and lube jam nuts after adjustment & position boots properly. Scheme 1

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECS (CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS & TOWN CAR)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (CAPRI & MUSTANG)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (LTD & MARQUIS)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (THUNDERBIRD & COUGAR)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (CONTINENTAL & MARK VII)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS