Adjusting Front Riding Height
- Front riding height is adjusted by changing height sensor link. See «FRONT RIDING HEIGHT SENSOR LINK DIMENSIONS (CONTINENTAL)»(ref-54894-S16216712142001011800000) table. (Scheme 6)
- When removing front link, carefully pry it off using a wide-blade screwdriver. When installing link, support height sensor from behind to prevent sensor damage. Any front link change must be made with reference to link which is to be removed.
| Left Part No. (1) Front | Right Part No. (1) Front | Sensor Link | Riding Height (2) Change In. (mm) |
|---|
| CA | GA | +1 (Green) | +.24 (6) |
| BA | FA | 1 (Red) | .24 (6) |
| JA | KA | Nominal (Blue) | 0 |
| DA | HA | +2 (Yellow) | +.47 (12) |
| AA | EA | 2 (White) | .47 (12) |
| (1) All part numbers are preceded by E80F-3C111-. (2) Riding height change is with respect to nominal link. |
| (1) | All part numbers are preceded by E80F-3C111-. |
| (2) | Riding height change is with respect to nominal link. |
FRONT RIDING HEIGHT SENSOR LINK DIMENSIONS (CONTINENTAL)
Scheme 6
Adjusting Rear Riding Height
To adjust rear height sensor, loosen and reposition height sensor lever adjustment screw. Each notch on rear height sensor lever gives about.6" (15 mm) of riding height adjustment. (Scheme 7)
Scheme 7
Scheme 7: Adjusting Rear Riding Height
CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS & TOWN CAR
Note. Town Car is only equipped with air suspension on rear.
Rear suspension riding height is adjusted by moving rear height sensor attaching bracket up or down based on left rear upper control arm position. A slot adjustment is provided on bracket to adjust up or down as required.
Adjusting sensor attaching bracket one index mark will change riding height, vertical dimension "D", approximately.35" (9 mm). (Scheme 8)and (Scheme 9). If riding height is not correct, adjust to specified vertical dimension. See DIMENSION "D" (CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS & TOWN CAR) table.
| Application | Range: In. (mm) | Optimum: In. (mm) |
|---|
| Crown Victoria & Grand Marquis |
| Base Vehicle | 5.29-5.81 (131.8-147.8) | 5.50 (139.8) |
| Touring Package | 4.80-5.42 (121.8-137.8) | 5.11 (129.8) |
| Town Car | 4.71-5.27 (119.8-133.8) | 4.99 (126.8) |
DIMENSION "D" (CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS & TOWN CAR)
Scheme 8
Scheme 9
Checking Riding Height
- Drive onto alignment rack. Turn ignition off. Level rack as necessary. Turn ignition switch to RUN position (DO NOT start). Allow one minute for vehicle to level. Push trunk release, turn ignition off and exit vehicle.
- Allow 20 seconds for vehicle to vent to trim height (all doors closed). Turn air suspension system switch to OFF position. Switch is located in trunk, on left front side panel. Check for proper riding height. (Scheme 10) Adjust as necessary.
Scheme 10
Adjusting Riding Height
- Adjust front riding height by moving front left and/or right lower sensor attaching stud. Three adjustment positions are provided on bracket. Loosen attaching bolt, and adjust as necessary. A one position change to sensor attachment point will result in 1/2" (12.7 mm) change, up or down. (Scheme 11)
- Rear suspension riding 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" (6.4 mm) change, up or down. (Scheme 12)
Scheme 11
Scheme 12
Measuring Riding Height
- Vehicle must pass Auto Test twice before performing riding height measurement and adjustment procedure. See ADJUSTMENTS in appropriate SUSPENSION article. Codes 11, 29 and/or 45 accepted as passed.
- Ensure suspension switch, located on left side panel of trunk, is OFF position. Measure vertical distance from bottom edge of wheel to wheel well lip. See RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS (MARK VIII) table.
| Application | Preferred: In. (mm) | Range: In. (mm) |
|---|
| Front | 24.25 (616) | 24.25-24.75 (616-629) |
| Rear | 24.25 (616) | 24.0-24.5 (616-622) |
RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS (MARK VIII)
Adjusting Riding Height (Front)
Move lower sensor attaching stud up or down in adjusting slot as required. (Scheme 13) Changing the height of sensor attachment point by.039" (1.0 mm) will change the riding height by.118 (3.0 mm). If either front height sensor is adjusted, check adjustment of other sensor.
Scheme 13
Scheme 13: Adjusting Riding Height (Front)
Note. Rear suspension uses only one height sensor, mounted between subframe and left rear control arm.
Adjusting Riding Height (Rear)
Move rear height sensor upper ball stud in slot provided in subframe bracket. (Scheme 13) Changing the height of sensor attachment point by.039" (1.0 mm) will change the riding height by.118" (3.0 mm).
ALL OTHERS
Before adjusting alignment, check riding height. Riding height must be checked with vehicle on level floor and tires properly inflated. Bounce vehicle several times and allow suspension to settle.
Visually inspect vehicle for signs of abnormal height from front to rear or side to side. Check passenger and luggage compartments for extra heavy items and remove if present. Measure distance from sill to floor behind front tires and in front of rear tires. Riding height between left and right sides of vehicle should vary less than 1" (25.4 mm). If riding height is not within specification, check, repair or replace suspension components.
JACKING & HOISTING
| WARNING | When battery is disconnected, vehicle computer and memory systems may lose memory data. Driveability problems may exist until computer systems have completed a relearn cycle. See COMPUTER RELEARN article before disconnecting battery. |
Note. On vehicles with air suspension, disconnect electrical power by removing negative battery cable or setting air suspension switch to OFF position. Switch is located in trunk on left front side of inner panel.
FLOOR JACK
Note. DO NOT lift vehicle by placing jack under front or rear control arms, axle shafts or CV joints.
FWD
Front of vehicle may be raised using floor jack by placing jack under front engine crossmember. Rear of vehicle may be raised by placing jack forward of tie rod bracket or under either rear lower control arm-to-chassis mounting bracket. (Scheme 14)
Scheme 14
RWD
- Front of vehicle may be lifted by positioning a jack under center of front crossmember, lower control arm-to-spindle connection or side rail where stabilizer is connected. Rear end may be lifted by positioning floor jack under rocker flange at contact points used for vehicle jack or under differential housing.
- Ensure jack does not contact differential housing cover. Position jackstands under front lower control arms or rear axle housing between suspension arm brackets and differential housing. DO NOT place jackstands under suspension arm brackets. (Scheme 15)
Scheme 15
BUMPER JACK
A bumper type jack may only be used on Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Mark VII and Town Car. DO NOT raise other vehicles by bumper at any time.
HOIST
| CAUTION | Follow hoist manufacturer's instructions. DO NOT let hoist or adapters to contact suspension, exhaust or steering components. |
Frame Contact Hoist
On frame contact hoists, adapters must be placed at 4 contact points. Position adapters so they are centered on contact area. All 4 contact points must contact adapters. On FWD models, rear contact points are located forward of tie rod-to-body attaching brackets.
Note. On Cougar, Mustang and Thunderbird, DO NOT position hoist pads under No. 3 crossmember, located to rear of lower suspension control arm crossmember.
Cougar, Thunderbird & 1993 Mark VIII
Loosen lower control arm inner pivot-to-subframe adjusting nut. Turn adjusting bolt as necessary to obtain correct camber specification. Hold adjusting bolt in place while tightening nut to specification.
Crown Victoria & Grand Marquis
- Camber/Caster Adjusters (T79P-3000-A) are needed to adjust camber angles. Insert Camber/Caster Adjusters into frame holes. (Scheme 16) Tighten adjuster hooks finger tight against upper arm inner shaft. Tighten hex nut of each adjuster one additional hex flat.
- Loosen upper arm inner shaft-to-frame retaining bolts so lock washers are unloaded. Firmly tap bolt heads to ensure loosening of retaining bolts. Adjust camber angle. Tighten upper arm inner shaft-to-frame retaining bolts.
Scheme 16
Escort & Tracer
Top mounting stud bolts on front struts are offset. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove strut mounting block nuts. Push mounting block downward and turn clockwise appropriate number of holes to change camber/caster specified amount. See CAMBER/CASTER ADJUSTMENT (ESCORT & TRACER) table.
| # of Holes From Std Position | (1) Camber Angle | (1) Caster Angle |
|---|
| One | .25 | .25 |
| Two | .50 | 0 |
| Three | .25 | .25 |
| (1) Measurement in degrees. |
| (1) | Measurement in degrees. |
CAMBER/CASTER ADJUSTMENT (ESCORT & TRACER)
Mark VII & Mustang
Remove rivet from camber plate. Loosen strut mount-to-strut tower attaching nuts. Move top of strut until desired camber is obtained. Tighten nuts to specification. Replacing rivet is not necessary.
Probe
- Top mounting studs on front struts are offset. Camber is adjusted by rotating strut to different positions. See «CAMBER/CASTER SPECIFICATIONS (PROBE)»(ref-54894-S24003558262001011800000) table. Lift vehicle to unload suspension.
- Remove wheel. Remove top strut attaching nuts. Lower strut, and rotate strut bearing to desired position. (Scheme 17)and (Scheme 18). Reinstall strut into tower. Install and tighten attaching nuts.
Scheme 17
Scheme 18
| Adjustment Mark | Camber Angle | (1) Caster Angle |
|---|
| "A" | 0 Degrees | .5 Degrees |
| "B" | .5 Degrees | .5 Degrees |
| "C" | 0 Degrees | .5 Degrees |
| (1) Caster is set while setting camber by rotating strut to appropriate position. |
| (1) | Caster is set while setting camber by rotating strut to appropriate position. |
CAMBER/CASTER SPECIFICATIONS (PROBE)
Tempo & Topaz
Camber is preset at factory and cannot be adjusted. If camber is not within specification, repair or replace bent or broken parts.
Town Car
Adjusting cams are provided for camber/caster adjustment. (Scheme 16) Loosen 2 nuts on top of adjusting cams. Turn hex cams to adjust camber/caster angle. Hold each cam and tighten nuts. Checking camber angle is not necessary after adjustment has been performed.
Continental, Crown Victoria, Escort, Grand Marquis, Probe, Sable, Taurus, Town Car, Tracer & 1993 Mark VIII
Cougar & Thunderbird
Loosen front tension strut-to-bracket lock nuts from both sides of bracket. Turn lock nuts to obtain correct caster specification. Tighten lock nuts to 103-118 ft. lbs. (140-160 N.m).
| CAUTION | DO NOT hold tension struts near bend when loosening or tightening lock nuts. |
Mark VII, Mustang, Tempo & Topaz
Caster is factory set and is not adjustable. If caster is not to specification, repair or replace bent or broken parts.
Continental, Sable, Taurus, Tempo & Topaz
Loosen rear control arm-to-body retaining bolt. Rotate adjusting cam to obtain correct toe-in. While holding adjusting cam, tighten rear adjusting cam attaching nut. (Scheme 19)or (Scheme 20).
Scheme 19
Scheme 19: Continental, Sable, Taurus, Tempo & Topaz
Scheme 20
Loosen rear lower control arm inner pivot-to-frame bracket adjusting nut. Turn 2 adjusting cams as necessary to obtain correct rear toe-in specification. Hold adjusting bolt in place while tightening nut to specification.
Toe adjustment is performed on right side of vehicle only. Loosen lateral link lock nuts. (Scheme 21) Turn lateral link adjustment link to adjust toe-in. After adjustment is made, tighten both lock nuts.
Scheme 21
Scheme 21: Escort & Tracer
Loosen lock nuts on right and left control arms. To increase rear toe-in, rotate right control arm adjusting rod counterclockwise and turn left control arm adjusting arm clockwise. To decrease rear toe-in, rotate right control arm adjusting rod clockwise and turn left control arm adjusting arm counterclockwise. After adjustment is made, tighten lock nuts.
CONTINENTAL
| Application | Preferred | Range |
|---|
| Camber (1) |
| Front | 1.1 | 1.7 To -0.5 |
| Rear | 1.3 | 2 To -0.6 |
| Caster (1) | 4.5 | 3.75 To 5.25 |
| Toe-In (1) |
| Front | 0.2 | 0.45 To 0.05 |
| Rear | 0.2 | 0.05 To 0.45 |
| Toe-In (2) |
| Front | 0.10 (-2.5) | 0.23 To 0.03 (-5.5 To 1.0) |
| Rear | 0.10 (2.5) | 0.03 To 0.23 (-1.0 To 5.5) |
| (1) Measurement in degrees. (2) Measurement in inches (mm). |
| (1) | Measurement in degrees. |
| (2) | Measurement in inches (mm). |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (CONTINENTAL)
| Application | Preferred | Range |
|---|
| Camber (1) |
| Front | 0.5 | 1.25 To 0.25 |
| Rear | 0.5 | 1 To 0 |
| Caster (1) | 5.5 | 4.75 To 6.25 |
| Toe-In (1) |
| Front | 0.15 | 0.1 To 0.4 |
| Rear | 0.12 | 0.12 To 0.36 |
| Toe-In (2) |
| Front | 0.08 (2.0) | 0.04 To 0.20 (-1.0 To 5.0) |
| Rear | 0.06 (1.5) | 0.06 To 0.18 (-1.5 To 4.5) |
| (1) Measurement in degrees. (2) Measurement in inches (mm). |
| (1) | Measurement in degrees. |
| (2) | Measurement in inches (mm). |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (COUGAR & THUNDERBIRD)
| Application | Preferred | Range |
|---|
| Camber (1) | 0.5 | 1.25 To 0.25 |
| Caster (1) | 5.5 | 4.75 To 6.25 |
| Toe-In (1) | 0.13 | 0.13 To 0.36 |
| Toe-In (2) | 0.06 (1.5) | 0.06 To 0.18 (-1.5 To 4.5) |
| (1) Measurement in degrees. (2) Measurement in inches (mm). |
| (1) | Measurement in degrees. |
| (2) | Measurement in inches (mm). |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (CROWN VICTORIA & GRAND MARQUIS)
| Application | Preferred | Range |
|---|
| Camber (1) |
| Front | 0.08 | 0.83 To 0.67 |
| Rear | 0.33 | 1.08 To 0.42 |
| Caster (1) | 1.9 | 1.0 To 2.8 |
| Toe-In (1) | 0.2 | 0.1 To 0.5 |
| Toe-In (2) | 0.08 (2.0) | 0.04 To 0.2 (-1.0 To 5.0) |
| (1) Measurement in degrees. (2) Measurement in inches (mm). |
| (1) | Measurement in degrees. |
| (2) | Measurement in inches (mm). |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (ESCORT & TRACER)
MARK VII
| Application | Preferred | Range |
|---|
| Camber (1) | 0 | 0.75 To 0.75 |
| Caster (1) | 1.5 | 0.6 To 2.7 |
| Toe-In (1) | 0.26 | 0 To 0.5 |
| Toe-In (2) | 0.13 (3.0) | 0 To 0.25 (0 To 6.5) |
| (1) Measurement in degrees. (2) Measurement in inches (mm). |
| (1) | Measurement in degrees. |
| (2) | Measurement in inches (mm). |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (MARK VII)
| Application | Preferred | Range |
|---|
| Camber (1) | 0.5 | 1.25 To 0.25 |
| Caster (1) | 5.5 | 4.75 To 6.25 |
| Toe-In (1) |
| Front | 0.25 | 0 To 0.5 |
| Rear | 0.12 | 0.13 To 0.37 |
| Toe-In (2) |
| Front | 0.12 (3.0) | 0 To 0.25 (0 To 6.5) |
| Rear | 0.06 (3.0) | 0.06 To 0.18 (-1.5 To 4.5) |
| (1) Measurement in degrees. (2) Measurement in inches (mm). |
| (1) | Measurement in degrees. |
| (2) | Measurement in inches (mm). |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (MARK VIII)
MUSTANG
| Application | Preferred | Range |
|---|
| Camber (1) |
| 2.3L | 0.5 | 1.25 To 0.25 |
| 5.0L | 0.6 | 1.35 To 0.15 |
| Caster (1) | 1.9 | 1.15 To 2.65 |
| Toe-In (1) | 0.25 | 0.5 To 0 |
| Toe-In (2) | 0.12 (-3.0) | 0.25 To 0 (-6.5 To 0) |
| (1) Measurement in degrees. (2) Measurement in inches (mm). |
| (1) | Measurement in degrees. |
| (2) | Measurement in inches (mm). |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (MUSTANG)
| Application | Preferred | Range |
|---|
| Camber (1) |
| Front | 0.27 | 1.02 To 0.48 |
| Rear | 0.43 | 1.18 To 0.32 |
| Caster (1) | 1.68 | 0.93 To 2.43 |
| Toe-In (1) |
| Front | 0 | 0.24 To 0.24 |
| Rear | 0.24 | 0 To 0.48 |
| Toe-In (2) |
| Front | 0 (0) | 0.12 To 0.12 (-3.0 To 3.0) |
| Rear | 0.12 (3.0) | 0 To 0.24 (0 To 6.0) |
| (1) Measurement in degrees. (2) Measurement in inches (mm). |
| (1) | Measurement in degrees. |
| (2) | Measurement in inches (mm). |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (PROBE)
| Application | Preferred | Range |
|---|
| Camber (1) |
| 2.0L |
| Front | 0.7 | 1.45 To 0.05 |
| Rear | 0.33 | 1.08 To 0.42 |
| 2.5L |
| Front | 0.9 | 1.65 To 0.15 |
| Rear | 0.33 | 1.08 To 0.42 |
| Caster (1) | 3.0 | 2.25 To 3.75 |
| Toe-In (1) |
| Front | 0.28 | 0 To 0.56 |
| Rear | 0.28 | 0 To 0.56 |
| Toe-In (2) |
| Front | 0.12 (3.0) | 0 To 0.24 (0 To 6.0) |
| Rear | 0.12 (3.0) | 0 To 0.24 (0 To 6.0) |
| (1) Measurement in degrees. (2) Measurement in inches (mm). |
| (1) | Measurement in degrees. |
| (2) | Measurement in inches (mm). |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (1993 PROBE)
SABLE & TAURUS
| Application | Preferred | Range |
|---|
| Sedan |
| Camber (1) |
| Front | 0.5 | 1.1 To 0.1 |
| Rear | 0.9 | 1.6 To -0.2 |
| Caster (1) |
| Sable | 3.7 | 2.7 To 4.7 |
| Taurus | 3.8 | 2.8 To 4.8 |
| Toe-In (1) |
| Front | 0.2 | 0.45 To 0.3 |
| Rear | 0.12 | 0.13 To 0.37 |
| Toe-In (2) |
| Front | 0.1 (-2.5) | 0.22 To 0.15 (-5.5 To 4.0) |
| Rear | 0.06 (1.5) | 0.06 To 0.18 (-1.5 To 4.5) |
| Wagon |
| Camber (1) |
| Front | 0.4 | 1.0 To 0.2 |
| Rear | 0.9 | 1.9 To 0.1 |
| Caster (1) | 3.7 | 2.7 To 4.7 |
| Toe-In (1) |
| Front | 0.2 | 0.45 To 0.3 |
| Rear | 0.12 | 0.13 To 0.37 |
| Toe-In (2) |
| Front | 0.1 (-2.5) | 0.22 To 0.15 (-5.5 To 4.0) |
| Rear | 0.06 (1.5) | 0.06 To 0.18 (-1.5 To 4.5) |
| (1) Measurement in degrees. (2) Measurement in inches (mm). |
| (1) | Measurement in degrees. |
| (2) | Measurement in inches (mm). |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (SABLE & TAURUS)
| Application | Preferred | Range |
|---|
| Camber (1) |
| Front |
| Left | 1.4 | 0.65 To 2.15 |
| Right | 0.95 | 0.2 To 1.7 |
| Rear | 0.15 | 0.9 To 0.6 |
| Caster (1) | 2.45 | 1.7 To 3.2 |
| Toe-In (1) |
| Front | 0.2 | 0.45 To 0.05 |
| Rear | 0 | 0.34 To 0.34 |
| Toe-In (2) |
| Front | 0.1 (-2.5) | 0.2 To 0.02 (-5.0 To 0.5) |
| Rear | 0 (0) | 0.17 To 0.17 (-4.0 To 4.0) |
| (1) Measurement in degrees. (2) Measurement in inches (mm). |
| (1) | Measurement in degrees. |
| (2) | Measurement in inches (mm). |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (TEMPO & TOPAZ)
| Application | Preferred | Range |
|---|
| Camber (1) | 0.5 | 1.25 To 0.25 |
| Caster (1) | 6.0 | 5.25 To 6.75 |
| Toe-In (1) | 0.13 | 0.13 To 0.36 |
| Toe-In (2) | 0.06 (1.5) | 0.06 To 0.18 (-1.5 To 4.5) |
| (1) Measurement in degrees. (2) Measurement in inches (mm). |
| (1) | Measurement in degrees. |
| (2) | Measurement in inches (mm). |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (TOWN CAR)
