1991 1999 ford explorer chilton User Manual

2-WHEEL DRIVE FRONT SUSPENSION
Introduction
View of the 2WD front suspension-except Mountaineer, 1995-99 Explorer and 1992-99 Ranger Click to enlarge
2-WHEEL DRIVE FRONT SUSPENSION 855 

View of the Mountaineer, 1995-99 Explorer and 1992-99 Ranger 2WD front suspension
Click to enlarge
All vehicles, except the Mountaineer, 1995-99 Explorer and 1992-99 Ranger, use a twin I-beam front
suspension which utilizes coil springs to support the vehicle and radius rods to locate the I-beam.
Mountaineer, 1995-99 Explorer and 1992-99 Ranger models use unequal length control arms (Short/Long
Arm - SLA) which utilize torsion bars to support the vehicle.
Coil Springs
All models except the Mountaineer,...

Exploded view of the Ranger coil spring and related parts-1111-14 Explorer similar
Click to enlarge
Raise the front of the vehicle and place jackstands under the frame and a jack under the axle.
1. 
WARNING
The axle must not be permitted to hang by the brake hose. If the length of the brake hoses is not sufficient to
provide adequate clearance for removal and installation of the spring, the disc brake caliper must be removed
from the spindle. A Strut Spring Compressor, T81P-5310-A or equivalent may be...

Disconnect the shock absorber at the lower shock stud. Remove the nut securing the lower retainer to
spring seat. Remove the lower retainer.
2. 
Lower the axle as far as it will go without stretching the brake hose and tube assembly. The axle
should now be unsupported without hanging by the brake hose. If not, then either remove the caliper
or use Strut Spring Compressor Tool, T81P-5310-A or equivalent. Remove the spring.
3. 
If there is a lot of slack in the brake hose assembly, a pry bar can be used to...

Exploded view of the torsion bar rear mounting components
Click to enlarge
A special tool (Torsion Bar Tool T95T-5310-A) is required for removing the torsion bar. Also, anytime
the torsion bar or its adjuster is removed, the vehicle ride height must be checked.
Raise and safely support the front of the vehicle. Place the jackstands so as to support the frame of the
vehicle. Do not position the jackstands under the lower control arms and do not use car ramps. The
lower control arms must be free to hang...

Use the torsion bar tool to relieve the tension from the bar
Remove the support nut then lower the adjuster lever completely.
5. 
Slide the torsion bar forward, into the lower control arm, to allow the adjuster lever to be removed.
6. 
Lower the torsion bar and pull it from the lower control arm.
7. 
Ensure that you do not mix up the right and left-hand torsion bars. They must be installed to the side
they were originally removed. If installing a new torsion bar, ensure to order the bar for the proper...

Measure the distance between the center of the lower control arm bushing bolt and the ground.
Record the measurement as dimension A.
4. 
Measure the distance between the lowest point of the steering knuckle (but not the ball joint) and the
ground. Record the measurement as dimension B.
5. 
Subtract dimension B from dimension A for ride height.
6. 
For vehicles without ARC suspension, ride height should be 4.33-4.56 in. (10-16mm).
7. 
For vehicles with ARC suspension, ride height should be 3.26-3.50 in....

Exploded view of the front shock absorber-except Mountaineer, 1995-99 Explorer and
1998-99 Ranger
Click to enlarge
Raise the vehicle, as required to provide additional access and remove the nut attaching the shock
absorber to the lower mounting stud on the radius arm.
1. 
Slide the lower shock absorber end off of the stud.
2. 
Remove the nut, washer and insulator from the upper shock absorber mount at the frame bracket and
remove the shock absorber.
3. 
A second wrench may be needed to hold the shock...

To install:
Position the washer and insulator on the shock absorber rod and position the shock absorber to the
upper frame bracket mount.
4. 
Position the insulator and washer on the shock absorber rod and install the attaching nut loosely.
5. 
Position the shock absorber to the lower mounting stud and install the attaching nut loosely.
6. 
Tighten the lower shock attaching bolts to 39-53 ft. lbs. (53-72 Nm), and the upper shock attaching
bolts to 25-34 ft. lbs. (34-46 Nm).
7. 
Mountaineer, 1995-99...

Raise the front of the vehicle and place jackstands under the lower control arms. Ensure that the lower
shock attaching nuts do not become obstructed by the jackstands.
1. 
Remove the upper shock-to-frame attaching nut, washer and insulator assembly.
2. 
Remove the two lower shock-to-control arm attaching nuts.
3. 
Slightly compress the shock absorber by hand and remove it from the vehicle.
4. 
To install: Position the lower washer and insulator on the shock absorber rod and position the shock absorber...