Front Suspension

2000 Ford Pickup F350 Super Duty
2000-01 SUSPENSION Front - 4WD Leaf Spring
2000-01 SUSPENSION
Front - 4WD Leaf Spring
DESCRIPTION
Monobeam axle system, consisting of a solid drive axle with ball joint-supported steering knuckles. All drive
axles are suspended by semi-elliptic leaf-type springs. See Fig. 1 .
NOTE: For additional information on 4WD drive axles, see appropriate article in DRIVE
AXLES.
Helpmelearn Repair Manuals

Thursday, November 09, 2006 7:17:19
7:17:16 PM Page 1 © 2004 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Thursday, November 09, 2006 7:17:16 PM Page 2 © 2004 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Suspension Components

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION

BALL JOINT CHECKING
Lower & Upper Ball Joint
Raise and support vehicle under axle. Move lower edge of tire in and out while watching lower steering knuckle
arm and lower part of axle jaw. If movement exceeds 1/32" (.8 mm), replace lower ball joint. To check upper
ball joint, move upper edge of tire in and out. If movement between upper steering knuckle arm and upper axle
exceeds 1/32" (.8 mm), replace upper ball joint.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
NOTE: See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL

ALIGNMENT.
WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: Wheel bearing preload cannot be readjusted. If bearing is loose or does not
rotate freely, replace hub and wheel bearing. See HUB & WHEEL BEARINGS
under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
WHEEL END VACUUM LEAK TEST
NOTE: When front hubs, axle shafts, or hub locks are removed, front wheel end
assemblies must be checked for leaks.
Disconnect wheel end vacuum hose. Connect vacuum pump to vacuum fitting on steering knuckle. Apply 15 in.
Hg of vacuum to wheel end assembly. Observe vacuum gauge for 30 seconds. Wheel end should not leak more
than 1/2 in. Hg in 30 seconds. If leak rate exceeds specification, check and repair as necessary.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
WARNING: Failure to retighten wheel lug nuts 500 miles (100 miles and 500 miles on
dual-rear wheel vehicles) after installation, may result in wheel coming
loose and loss of vehicle control.
HUB & WHEEL BEARINGS
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove and suspend brake caliper. DO NOT hang
by flexible brake hose. Remove caliper anchor plate. Remove brake rotor. Remove hub snap ring. See
Fig. 2 . Pull and remove hub lock. Remove snap ring and thrust washers from axle shaft. See Fig. 3 .
Disconnect ABS wheel sensor harness connector, harness and harness routing clips (if equipped).
2. Remove 4 lock nuts from behind hub. Remove hub and wheel bearing assembly. Hub and wheel bearing
assembly is a slip fit design and should not require a puller to remove.
Fig. 2: Removing Hub Snap Ring & Hub Lock


Fig. 3: Removing Axle Shaft Snap Ring & Thrust Washers

Installation
CAUTION: Install a non-metallic thrust washer between 2 metal thrust washers. If

non-metallic thrust washer is not installed as specified, it will wear,
allowing axle shaft to travel farther and cause damage to hub and wheel
bearing.
1. Install NEW hub and wheel bearing assembly "O" ring. Apply a coat of High Temperature Wheel
Bearing Grease (E8TZ-19590-A) to "O" ring area of hub and bearing assembly. Install hub and nuts.
Install non-metallic thrust washer between 2 metal thrust washers. Install all 3 thrust washers.
2. Reverse removal procedure. Perform wheel end vacuum leak test. See WHEEL END VACUUM LEAK
TEST under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION. Tighten remaining bolts and nuts. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS . Before driving vehicle, pump brake pedal several times to restore normal pedal
position.
LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY
Removal
CAUTION: DO NOT reuse "U" bolts. Failure to not use a new "U" bolt can result in
loose or broken springs and suspension components.
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Position jack stands under axle housing. Remove shock
absorber. See SHOCK ABSORBERS . Remove nuts, "U" bolts and spring spacer. Discard "U" bolts. Mark
drive shaft to pinion flange for installation reference. Remove bolts, straps and drive shaft from pinion flange.
Remove bolt and position leaf spring shackle away from leaf spring. Remove bolt. Using hammer, tap leaf
spring free of hanger bracket. Remove leaf spring from vehicle.
Installation
1. Install leaf spring into hanger. Tighten bolt and nut finger tight. Install spring into shackle. Tighten bolt
and nut finger tight. Install NEW left "U" bolt thought front spring cap. Install NEW right "U" bolt
through axle assembly bracket. Install spring spacer and nuts. Tighten nuts finger tight.
2. Lower vehicle onto jack stands until front suspension is supporting weight of vehicle. Tighten "U" joint
bolts in a criss-cross sequence. Tighten rear then front leaf spring retaining bolt. Reverse removal
procedure. Tighten remaining bolts and nuts. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
LOWER BALL JOINTS
Removal & Installation
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove steering knuckle. See STEERING KNUCKLE .
Place steering knuckle in a vise. Remove snap ring. Using Receiving Cup (D81T-3010-A) and "U" Joint Tool
(T74P-4635-C), press upper ball joint from steering knuckle. See Fig. 4 . To install, clean steering knuckle ball
joint bore. Reverse removal procedure.
Fig. 4: Removing & Installing Ball Joints

SHOCK ABSORBERS

WARNING: Shock absorbers are gas-filled. DO NOT puncture or apply heat to shock
absorber.
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove upper and lower shock absorber bolts. Compress
shock absorber and remove. Reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
STEERING KNUCKLE
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Remove brake caliper, and wire caliper to
frame. DO NOT hang by flexible brake hose. Remove caliper anchor plate. Remove brake rotor. Remove
hub and wheel bearing assembly. See HUB & WHEEL BEARING . Remove axle. Using a drift, drive
main seal out of steering knuckle.
2. Remove and discard tie rod ball joint cotter pin. Remove nut. Using Pitman Arm Puller (T64P-3590-F),
separate tie rod end from steering knuckle. Remove and discard upper ball joint cotter pin. Remove nut
and insert. Remove lower ball joint nut and steering knuckle. Clean and inspect steering knuckle ball joint
bores.
Installation
1. Install steering knuckle. Install nut on lower ball joint finger tight. Install insert and nut onto upper ball
joint finger tight. Tighten lower ball joint, then upper ball joint retaining nuts. Install NEW cotter pin. DO
NOT loosen nut to install cotter pin. Install tie rod end, tighten nut, and install NEW cotter pin.
2. Using Knuckle Seal Installer (205-429) and Driver (T83T-3132-A1), install NEW main steering knuckle
seal onto axle shaft. See Fig. 5 . Position axle shaft into axle housing. Using Knuckle Seal Installer (205-
429) and Driver (T83T-3132-A1), install main seal into steering knuckle. See Fig. 6 .
3. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Perform wheel end vacuum leak test. See WHEEL
END VACUUM LEAK TEST under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION. Tighten remaining bolts and
nuts. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Before driving vehicle, pump brake pedal several times to
restore normal pedal position.

Fig. 5: Installing Main Seal Onto Axle Shaft


Fig. 6: Installing Main Seal Into Steering Knuckle

STABILIZER BAR, BUSHINGS & LINKS
Remove stabilizer bar links from stabilizer bar. Remove stabilizer bar mounts and remove stabilizer bar.
Remove bushings. Remove nut and stabilizer bar link. Remove 3 bolts, flag nuts and stabilizer bar link bracket.
To install, loosely assemble entire stabilizer bar assembly. Ensure stabilizer bar bushings are seated in retainers.
To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
TRACK BAR
Raise and support vehicle. Position jack stands under front axle housing Lower vehicle until front suspension is
supporting vehicle's weight. Remove bolts and track bar from upper mounting bracket. Remove bolts and track
bar from lower mounting bracket. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .
UPPER BALL JOINTS
Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove steering knuckle. See STEERING KNUCKLE .
Place steering knuckle in a vise. Remove lower ball joint. See LOWER BALL JOINTS . Using Receiving
Cup (T80T-3010-A) and "U" Joint Tool (T74P-4635-C), press upper ball joint from steering knuckle. See Fig.
4 . To install, clean steering knuckle ball joint bore. Reverse removal procedure.
VACUUM VALVE
Open hood. Disconnect electrical and vacuum connectors from vacuum valve. Remove bolts and valve. To
install, reverse removal procedure. Install vacuum valve with White cap up.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m)
Ball Joint Nut
Lower 101 (136)
Upper 101 (136)
Driveshaft-To-Pinion Flange Bolt 76 (103)
Front Leaf Spring "U" Bolt Nut 99 (133)
Hub-To-Steering Knuckle Nut 55 (74)
Jounce Bumper-To-Frame Bolt 30 (40)
Shock Absorber Nut 76 (103)
Shock Absorber Bracket-To-Frame Bolt 76 (103)
Spring Hanger Bracket-To-Frame Bolt 76 (103)
Spring Shackle-To-Frame
Bolt 66 (90)
Nut 185 (250)
Spring-To-Spring Hanger Nut 203 (275)
Spring -To-Spring Shackle Nut 185 (250)
Stabilizer Bar Bracket-To-Frame Bolt 35 (47)
Stabilizer Bar Link-To-Mount 35 (47)
Stabilizer Bar-To-Link Nut 85 (115)
Tie Rod End-To-Spindle Nut 52 (71)
Track Bar-To-Mount Nut 369 (500)
Wheel Lug Nut (1) 140 (190)

(1) Failure to retighten wheel lug nuts at 500 miles (100 miles and 500 miles on dual-
rear wheel vehicles) after installation, may result in wheel coming loose and loss of
vehicle control.

2000-01 SUSPENSION Front - 2WD Excursion, F-250 & F-350 Super Duty
2000-01 SUSPENSION
Front - 2WD Excursion, F-250 & F-350 Super Duty
DESCRIPTION
Front suspension consists of a coil spring, twin "I" beam-type front axle assembly. "I" beams are mounted to a
frame pivot bracket at one end, and to spindle (with ball joints) and a radius arm at the other. Springs are
mounted between frame spring pocket and axle. See Fig. 1 .
Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Front Suspension Components

ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION

BALL JOINT & SPINDLE PIN CHECKING

Thursday, November 09, 2006 7:16:28
7:16:22 PM Page 1 © 2004 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.
NOTE: On models with spindle pin and bushings, bushing I.D. should be .001-
.003" (.03-.08 mm) larger than diameter of spindle pin when new. No further
information is available from manufacturer.
Raise and support vehicle. Ensure wheel bearings are properly adjusted. Grasp lower edge of tire and move
wheel in and out while watching for spindle movement. Spindle movement must not exceed 1/32" (.794 mm) at
upper or lower arms, relative to axle. If movement exceeds limit, replace ball joint/spindle assembly.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
NOTE: See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL

ALIGNMENT.
WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT
Raise and support vehicle. Push and pull on tire. If any looseness is felt, adjust wheel bearing. Remove wheel
and tire assembly. To adjust wheel bearing, remove grease cap. Remove and discard cotter pin. While rotating
wheel clockwise, tighten adjusting nut to 21 ft. lbs. (28 N.m). Back off adjusting nut 120-180 degrees (just until
loose). While rotating wheel clockwise, tighten adjusting nut to 18 INCH lbs. (2 N.m). Install nut and NEW
cotter pin. Install grease cap.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
WARNING: Failure to retighten wheel lug nuts at 500 miles (100 miles and 500 miles
on dual-rear wheel vehicles) after installation, may result in wheel coming
loose and loss of vehicle control.
BALL JOINTS
NOTE: Ball joints cannot be serviced separately. If movement exceeds limit. See BALL
JOINT & SPINDLE PIN CHECKING under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION.
Replace ball joint/spindle assembly.
COIL SPRING
Removal
Raise front of vehicle and support with jack stands under frame and floor jack under axle. Remove wheel
assembly. Remove shock absorber. See SHOCK ABSORBER . Remove upper spring retainer bolts and
remove retainer. Lower floor jack until spring is free of upper spring seat. Remove lower spring retainer-to-
spring seat and axle, and remove spring.
Installation
Place spring in position, and slowly raise front axle. Position spring lower retainer over stud, lower insulator
and lower seat. Position upper retainer over spring coil and against spring upper seat. Tighten bolts and nuts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.
FRONT AXLE
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Remove front spindle. See SPINDLE .
Support front axle with a jack. Remove coil spring. See COIL SPRING . Remove lower spring insulator
and seat. Remove radius arm-to-axle bolt. Remove radius arm-to-frame bracket pivot bolt. Remove radius
arm.
2. To remove right axle pivot bolt, relieve weight from suspension. On both sides, remove pivot bolt and
axle. Check pivot bushings for wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
Installation
1. Install axle and finger tighten NEW pivot bolt and nut. Install and finger tighten NEW radius arm-to-axle
bolt and nut. Install NEW radius arm-to-frame bracket pivot bolt and nut. Tighten to specification. See
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Tighten radius arm-to-axle nut to specification. Install NEW tie rod
and lower ball joint cotter pins.
2. Install remaining components. Tighten pivot bolt and radius arm-to-axle bolts and nuts to specification
with vehicle at normal operating height. Check wheel alignment. See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS &
PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
HUB & WHEEL BEARINGS
Removal
1. Raise front of vehicle, and remove wheels. Remove brake caliper, and wire aside. Remove brake caliper
anchor.
2. Remove grease cap from hub. Remove cotter pin, adjusting nut and flat washer from spindle. Remove
outer wheel bearing. Pull hub and brake rotor from spindle. Remove grease seal and inner wheel bearing.
Clean bearings. DO NOT spin dry bearing using compressed air.
3. Check spindle and nut threads. Inspect bearings and bearing cups for pitting or unusual wear. If either
bearing or bearing cup is worn or damaged, replace them as a set. After installing NEW bearing cups,
check for proper seating of new bearing cups by inserting a .0015" (.38 mm) feeler gauge between bottom
face of cup and wheel hub seat. Feeler gauge should not be able to fit.
Installation
To install, remove all burrs, nicks or scratches from shoulder of spindle and seal bore in hub using emery cloth.
Fill inside of hub, flush with inside diameter of bearing outer races, with lithium-based grease. Install bearings
and NEW seal. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Install NEW cotter pin. Adjust wheel
bearings. See WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION. Tighten bolts
and nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

RADIUS ARM
Removal
1. Raise and support vehicle with safety stands under frame, and jack under axle. Remove front wheels.
Disconnect link from stabilizer bar (if equipped).
2. Disconnect shock absorber from lower bracket. Remove coil spring. See COIL SPRING . Remove lower
spring seat from radius arm.
3. Remove radius arm-to-axle bolt. Remove nut, washer, insulator and spacer from rear radius arm mount.
Remove radius arm.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
SHOCK ABSORBER
Hold upper shock absorber stud and remove retaining nut. Raise and support vehicle. Remove lower nut and
disconnect shock absorber from lower mount. Compress shock absorber and remove shock absorber. To install,
reverse removal procedure. Coat upper spring seat with soap solution and install NEW bushing. Tighten bolts or
nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
SPINDLE
Removal
1. Raise vehicle, and support under front axle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove brake rotor and brake dust
shield. See HUB & WHEEL BEARINGS . Remove inner bearing and seal. Remove bolt, ABS sensor
and harness (if equipped). Remove and discard tie rod end ball joint cotter pin. Remove tie rod end ball
joint castellated nut. Using Pitman Arm Puller (T64P-3590-F), separate tie rod end ball joint from
spindle.
2. Remove and discard lower ball joint cotter pin. Loosen nut at lower ball joint. Remove nut from axle
clamp bolt and remove bolt. Note position of camber adjuster on top of axle. See Fig. 2 . Remove camber
adjuster from upper ball joint. Strike axle to break lower ball joint loose from axle. See Fig. 2 . Remove
lower ball joint nut and spindle assembly.
CAUTION: DO NOT use pickle fork to separate ball joint from spindle, as seal and ball
joint socket will be damaged.

Fig. 2: Removing Spindle

Installation
1. Ensure ball joint seals are in position. Place spindle and ball joints into axle. Install lower ball joint nut
and tighten to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
2. Install camber adjuster over upper ball joint stud. Ensure camber adjuster is properly aligned. If camber
adjustment is required, special camber adjusters must be installed. Tap camber adjuster into spindle.
Tighten upper ball joint nut to specification.
3. Install cotter pin. Install axle clamp bolt and tighten to specification. To complete installation, reverse
removal procedure. Adjust wheel bearings. See WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT under
ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION. Check and adjust front end alignment. See appropriate
SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT. Tighten bolts and nuts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
STABILIZER BAR

Raise and support vehicle. Remove bolts and stabilizer bar retainer brackets. Disconnect stabilizer bar from link
assembly. Remove stabilizer bar. Remove link assembly from axle brackets. To install, loosely install stabilizer
bar assembly. Ensure stabilizer bar is centered on front axle and insulators are properly positioned. Attach links
to brackets and stabilizer bar. Tighten nuts and bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .
Application Ft. Lbs. (N.m.)
Axle Pivot Bracket-To-Frame Nut 60 (81)
Axle Pivot-To-Bracket Bolt 130 (176)
Coil Spring-To-Lower Retainer Nut 99 (134)
Coil Spring Upper Retainer-To-Spring Seat Bolt 26 (35)
Lower Ball Joint-To-Spindle Nut 99 (134)
Radius Arm Bracket-To-Frame 60 (81)
Radius Arm Pivot-To-Bracket Nut 185 (251)
Radius Arm-To-Axle Nut 295 (400)
Shock Absorber Lower Mount Bolt/Nut 60 (81)
Shock Absorber Upper Mount Nut 30 (41)
Stabilizer Bar Link-To-Spring Seat 60 (81)
Stabilizer Bar Link-To-Stabilizer Bar 60 (81)
Stabilizer Bar Retainer-To-Mounting Bracket Nut 36 (49)
Steering Damper Bracket-To-Frame Nut 67 (91)
Steering Damper Bracket-To-Linkage 21 (28)
Steering Damper-To-Bracket Nut 67 (91)
Steering Damper-To-Linkage Bracket Nut 67 (91)
Tie Rod End-To-Spindle Nut 67 (91)
Upper Ball Joint Clamp Bolt 60 (81)
Wheel Lug Nuts (1) 155 (210)
(1) Failure to retighten wheel lug nuts at 500 miles (100 miles and 500 miles on dual-
rear wheel vehicles) after installation, may result in wheel coming loose and loss of
vehicle control.


Front Suspension

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2000 Ford Pickup F350 Super Duty

2000-01 SUSPENSION Front - 4WD Leaf Spring

Front - 4WD Leaf Spring

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals

Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Suspension Components

ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION

Lower & Upper Ball Joint

NOTE: See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL

WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT

WHEEL END VACUUM LEAK TEST

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

HUB & WHEEL BEARINGS

Fig. 2: Removing Hub Snap Ring & Hub Lock

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals

Fig. 3: Removing Axle Shaft Snap Ring & Thrust Washers

CAUTION: Install a non-metallic thrust washer between 2 metal thrust washers. If

LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY

spring free of hanger bracket. Remove leaf spring from vehicle.

LOWER BALL JOINTS

Removal & Installation

Fig. 4: Removing & Installing Ball Joints

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Removal & Installation

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals

Fig. 5: Installing Main Seal Onto Axle Shaft

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals

Fig. 6: Installing Main Seal Into Steering Knuckle

STABILIZER BAR, BUSHINGS & LINKS

Removal & Installation

Removal & Installation

UPPER BALL JOINTS

Removal & Installation

Removal & Installation

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals

Front - 2WD Excursion, F-250 & F-350 Super Duty

Fig. 1: Exploded View Of Front Suspension Components

ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTION

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals

NOTE: See appropriate SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES article in WHEEL

WHEEL BEARING ADJUSTMENT

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

HUB & WHEEL BEARINGS

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals

Removal & Installation

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals

Fig. 2: Removing Spindle

Removal & Installation

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals

Helpmelearn Repair Manuals

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