Ford F150 Pickup. Instruction - part 1793

Fig. 3: Identifying Wheel Hub Bolts 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

LOWER CONTROL ARM & BALL JOINT 

Removal 

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove hub and bearing assembly. See HUB & 

BEARING ASSEMBLY . Measure length of adjuster bolt extension from adjuster. Mark torsion bar and 
torsion bar crossmember support alignment position. See Fig. 4 .  

2. Remove torsion bar adjuster bolt. Install Torsion Bar Installer/Remover (T95T-5310-AR) and Adapter 

(T96T-5310-A) onto torsion bar. See Fig. 5 . Tighten remover/installer until adjuster lifts off adjuster nut. 
Remove adjuster nut. Remove remover/installer. Remove torsion bar adjuster.  

3. Remove stabilizer bar link from lower control arm. Remove lower shock absorber bolt and nut. Remove 

and discard lower ball joint cotter pin. Remove lower ball joint castle nut. Using Pitman Arm Puller 
(T64P-3590-F), separate lower ball joint from steering knuckle. Remove lower control arm mounting 
bolts and nuts. Remove lower control arm and torsion bar as an assembly. Separate lower control arm 
from torsion bar.  

4. Remove the snap ring from the ball joint. Discard the snap ring. Using the C-Frame and Screw 

Installer/Remover (T74P-4635-C) and Receiver Cup (204-182), remove the ball joint . See Fig. 6 . Clean 
and inspect the control arm ball joint bore for damage before installing a new ball joint.  

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2002-03 SUSPENSION Front - 4WD Torsion Bar - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 4: Making Preliminary Torsion Bar Adjustment References 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2002-03 SUSPENSION Front - 4WD Torsion Bar - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 5: Relieving Torsion Bar Tension 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2002-03 SUSPENSION Front - 4WD Torsion Bar - F150 Pickup

  

Fig. 6: Removing Lower Ball Joint 
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO. 

Installation 

1. Install new ball joint into lower control arm. Make sure the new ball joint snap ring is fully seated. 

CAUTION: The torsion bar adjustment bolt is coated with dry Loctite and must be 

replaced if it is backed off or removed. Failure to do so can cause the 
adjustment bolt to loosen up during operation and a loss of vehicle 
alignment.

 

2003 Ford Pickup F150 

2002-03 SUSPENSION Front - 4WD Torsion Bar - F150 Pickup