Lateral Arm

Procedure for removing and replacing the lateral arm (also known as track bar or panhard rod) on a 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8, which controls lateral axle movement and centering.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lateral arm (track bar) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lateral arm frame bracket bushings (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lateral arm axle bracket bushings (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lateral arm mounting bolts/nuts (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake firmly.
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels.
3. If hardware appears rusted, spray all lateral arm mounting bolts and nuts with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes minimum (or overnight for best results).
4. Inspect lateral arm for wear, damage, or torn bushings to confirm replacement is necessary.

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Using a floor jack positioned under the rear axle housing near the differential, raise the rear of the vehicle until the tires are approximately 6 inches off the ground. Position jack stands under the frame rails just forward of the rear axle mounting points. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands while keeping the floor jack in place under the axle housing with minimal pressure to keep the axle stable and prevent lateral movement.
2. 2

   Locate lateral arm mounting points
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the lateral arm. One end attaches to a bracket on the frame rail and the other end attaches to a bracket on the rear axle housing on the opposite side. Verify the actual side orientation on your specific installation, as this varies by kit. This diagonal orientation controls lateral axle movement.
3. 3

   Support rear axle assembly
   Ensure the floor jack under the rear axle housing is positioned securely and supporting the axle weight. The axle must remain supported throughout lateral arm removal to prevent it from shifting laterally or dropping.
4. 4

   Remove frame bracket mounting hardware
   At the frame-side mounting point (driver side frame rail), use a combination wrench to hold the bolt head and a socket with breaker bar to remove the mounting nut. Verify the actual hardware size before starting; common sizes range from 3/4 inch to 15/16 inch depending on bolt diameter. Once loosened, remove the bolt, nut, and washers. Note the orientation of any bushings or sleeves for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove axle bracket mounting hardware
   At the axle-side mounting point (passenger side of axle housing), use a combination wrench to hold the bolt head and a socket with breaker bar to remove the mounting nut. Verify the actual hardware size before starting; common sizes range from 3/4 inch to 15/16 inch depending on bolt diameter. Once loosened, remove the bolt, nut, and washers. The lateral arm is now free and can be removed from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Remove lateral arm from vehicle
   Carefully pull the lateral arm free from both mounting brackets. You may need to use a pry bar to separate stuck bushings from the brackets. Note the axle may shift slightly laterally once the arm is removed; this is normal but confirms why the axle must remain supported by the jack.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting brackets and bushings
   With the lateral arm removed, inspect both the frame bracket and axle bracket for cracks, elongated mounting holes, or damage. Inspect the bushings in the lateral arm ends for cracking, tearing, or excessive wear. Replace bushings if they are deteriorated. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush to remove rust and debris.
8. 8

   Prepare new lateral arm for installation
   If installing a new lateral arm, verify it matches the original in length and mounting configuration. Pre-install any required bushings or sleeves into the lateral arm ends according to manufacturer instructions. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to mounting bolt threads if operating in corrosive environments.
9. 9

   Position new lateral arm
   Maneuver the new lateral arm into position with the frame-side end (with smaller bushing) toward the driver side frame bracket and the axle-side end toward the passenger side axle bracket. You may need to use the floor jack to raise or lower the axle slightly or shift it laterally to align the mounting holes. Insert mounting bolts finger-tight at both ends but do not fully tighten yet.
10. 10

    Align and center rear axle
    With bolts finger-tight, use the floor jack to adjust axle height to curb height (simulate normal ride height with suspension at rest position). Visually check that the axle housing appears centered under the frame rails with equal spacing on both sides. The lateral arm should not appear twisted or under extreme tension. This ensures proper axle alignment when hardware is torqued.
11. 11

    Torque frame bracket mounting hardware
    With the axle at ride height and properly centered, torque the frame-side mounting bolt nut to the lateral arm manufacturer's specified value (commonly in the range of 75-110 ft-lbs depending on bolt size and grade) using a torque wrench. Hold the bolt head with a wrench to prevent rotation while torquing the nut.
12. 12

    Torque axle bracket mounting hardware
    Torque the axle-side mounting bolt nut to the lateral arm manufacturer's specified value (commonly in the range of 75-110 ft-lbs depending on bolt size and grade) using a torque wrench. Hold the bolt head with a wrench to prevent rotation while torquing the nut. Verify both mounting points are secure and hardware is properly seated.
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and verify installation
    Carefully raise the vehicle off the jack stands using the floor jack under the axle, remove the jack stands, and lower the vehicle to the ground. Remove wheel chocks. Rock the vehicle side-to-side gently to settle the suspension and verify the lateral arm is functioning properly without binding or unusual noise.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all mounting hardware is torqued to specification at curb ride height to prevent premature bushing wear.
2. Verify the rear axle appears centered under the vehicle with equal tire-to-fender spacing on both sides.
3. If the vehicle exhibits handling issues after installation, have a professional alignment shop verify rear axle alignment and lateral arm adjustment.

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground, measure from the rear tire centerline to the fender lip on both sides; measurements should be within 1/4 inch to confirm proper axle centering.
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify straight-line tracking with no pulling or wandering.
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque both lateral arm mounting bolts to specification as bushings may have seated.
• Inspect mounting hardware for tightness and check for any unusual tire wear patterns after 500 miles.

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