Ford F53 Chassis 2004 PDF Installation Manual

PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKLIST Check the vehicle wheel alignment prior to installation to insure no precondition already exists;
record the information for verification. Removal of rear wheels will aid in installation. If not using a lift, block the front wheels and apply the emergency brake so the vehicle cannot roll. Jack up the rear frame of the truck in order to unload the rear leaf springs (or use an overhead
hoist). Do not lift the wheels off the ground (if not using a lift to install the suspension). Do not jack on the axle itself. Install the suspension in the listed sequence. Install one side of the suspension at a time. First, install the driver side completely, then install the passenger side. Removal of the rear wheels may aid in installation, but it is not necessary. Measure & record the wheelbase and centering dims before beginning installation.

Driver Side Disassembly

1. With weight taken off the rear springs, as noted in pre-installation checklist, loosen and remove
the front and lower rear leaf spring pivot bolts. See Figure 2-1. IMPORTANT! Retain the front
pivot bolt & nut for reuse.

2. Remove the leaf springs by loosening and removing the U-bolts. See Figures 2-2 & 2-3.
IMPORTANT! Retain the OE U-bolt plate and bottom axle bracket for reuse.

Driver Side Assembly
1. Review Figure 3-1 & Figure 11-1 to acquaint yourself with the various parts of the UltraRide suspension.
2. Assemble the Suspension Arm to the axle using (2) 3/4” UNF X 4.25 X 17.25 U-Bolts, (4) 3/4” washers, (4) 3/4” UNF nuts, and the original OE top plate and bottom axle bracket. Make sure the arm/axle locating pin is properly inserted into the mating hole on the axle pad and that the bottom side of the arm rests evenly on the axle pad. (Torque the nuts to 260 FT-LBS)
3. Attach the arm pivot bushing to the Front Hanger Bracket using the original 20mm bolt and nut. (Torque laterto 300 FT-LBS.)
4. Loosen the (4) 16mm shock mount crossmember bolts and bolt the Air Spring Bracket to the frame using the same bolts and nuts. Torque to 200 FT-LBS.
5. Bolt the Air Spring to the Suspension Arm using (1) 1/2 UNC JAM NUT. Make certain the air spring is not twisted or creased after tightening the nut. (Torque to 25-35 FT-LBS.)
6. Attach the Driver’s Side Valve Bracket to the frame using (2) 5/8” X 1-1/2” UNC Flange Bolts and (2) 5/8” UNC Flange Nuts. (Torque to 100-130 FT-LBS.)

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