This procedure covers the removal and installation of the front subframe (engine cradle) on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and 4WD, including disconnection of suspension components, steering linkage, drivetrain, and engine mounts.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower control arm bushing kit (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Subframe mounting bolt set (recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint nut (if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Thread locker (medium strength) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV (power steering) — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from terminal
3. Raise vehicle and support on frame rails with jack stands rated for vehicle weight
4. Remove both front wheels
5. Mark steering wheel center position with tape
6. Spray all suspension and subframe fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak
7. Place drain pans under power steering lines and front differential
8. Position transmission jack or subframe support fixture nearby for later use

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front skid plate and splash shields
   Remove the front skid plate mounting bolts and lower the skid plate. Remove front wheel well splash shields and lower front fascia splash shields to access subframe components.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar links
   Hold the sway bar link shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning. Remove the sway bar link nuts at both the lower control arm and sway bar connections on both sides. Disconnect links completely and set aside.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate ball joints from steering knuckles
   Remove the cotter pins from both ball joint castle nuts. Loosen but do not remove the ball joint nuts. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to break the taper between the ball joint stud and steering knuckle. Once separated, remove the nuts completely and lower the control arms away from the knuckles.
   ⚠Keep ball joint nut partially threaded during separation to prevent sudden release and control arm dropping.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect steering gear from intermediate shaft
   Locate the steering gear input shaft coupler at the firewall. Mark the relationship between the intermediate shaft and steering gear input shaft for reassembly. Remove the pinch bolt and separate the intermediate shaft from the steering gear. Secure the intermediate shaft up and away from the subframe.
   ⚠Do not rotate the steering wheel after disconnecting the intermediate shaft or the clockspring may be damaged.
5. 5

   Disconnect power steering lines and front differential
   Disconnect the power steering pressure and return lines from the steering gear. Cap or plug all openings immediately. Drain the front differential using the drain plug. Remove the front driveshaft from the front differential by removing the bolts at the differential yoke. Support and secure the driveshaft to the frame.
   ⚠Power steering fluid and gear oil will drain. Ensure drain pans are positioned correctly.
6. 6

   Remove front strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Support each front brake/knuckle assembly with a bungee cord or wire to prevent strain on the brake hose. Remove the two strut-to-knuckle pinch bolts on each side. Pry the knuckle clamp open if necessary and separate the knuckle from the strut. Allow the knuckle to hang freely.
   ⚠Do not allow knuckle assembly to hang by brake hose alone. Support weight with wire or bungee cord.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Support engine and transmission
   Using an engine support bar across the fender openings or a chain hoist, support the engine and transmission from above. Adjust support to take the weight off the engine mounts but do not lift the vehicle. Verify the drivetrain is stable and will not shift when subframe is lowered.
   ⚠️Engine and transmission must be adequately supported before removing subframe bolts. Failure to properly support can result in engine dropping.
8. 8

   Disconnect engine mount-to-subframe connections
   Locate the engine mount through-bolts that connect the engine mounts to the subframe brackets. Remove these bolts on both sides. The engine weight should now be fully supported by the overhead support system.
9. 9

   Support subframe with transmission jack
   Position a transmission jack or dedicated subframe support fixture under the center of the subframe. Raise the jack until it just contacts the subframe and takes minimal weight. Use wooden blocks or subframe adapter to distribute load evenly. Secure subframe to jack with straps or chain to prevent shifting during lowering.
   ⚠️Subframe must be securely attached to jack with straps or chains. A shifting subframe can cause serious injury.
10. 10

    Mark and remove subframe mounting bolts
    Locate the four main subframe-to-frame mounting bolts (two per side at front and rear of subframe). Mark the position of any alignment shims or eccentric washers for reinstallation. Using a breaker bar or impact wrench, remove all four subframe mounting bolts. Have an assistant help stabilize the subframe as the final bolts are removed.
    ⚠Do not remove all bolts on one side before starting the other side. Remove bolts in a cross pattern to maintain balance.
11. 11

    Lower and remove subframe
    Carefully and slowly lower the transmission jack while guiding the subframe down. Watch for any wiring, hoses, or components that may still be attached. Lower the subframe approximately 6 inches and verify nothing is binding. Continue lowering until the subframe is completely free from the vehicle. Roll the jack with subframe out from under the vehicle.
    ⚠Lower subframe slowly and check clearance frequently. Stop immediately if resistance is felt.
12. 12

    Inspect and service subframe components
    With the subframe removed, inspect all mounting points, bushings, control arm bushings, steering gear mounts, and differential mounts for wear or damage. Clean all mounting surfaces with a wire brush and brake cleaner. Replace any worn bushings or components. Inspect subframe for cracks or damage. Perform any necessary repairs or component replacement.
13. 13

    Reinstall subframe to vehicle
    Position the subframe on the transmission jack and secure with straps. Roll the jack under the vehicle and carefully raise the subframe into position. Align the subframe mounting holes with the frame mounting points. Install all four subframe mounting bolts finger-tight first. Verify alignment shims or eccentric washers are in their original positions. Once all bolts are started, tighten the subframe mounting bolts in a cross pattern to the specified torque value.
    ℹ️Ensure subframe is centered and all mounting holes align before tightening bolts.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect engine mounts and steering components
    Install the engine mount through-bolts connecting the engine mounts to the subframe brackets and torque to specification. Remove the overhead engine support once mounts are secured. Reconnect the steering intermediate shaft to the steering gear input shaft, aligning the marks made during disassembly. Install and torque the pinch bolt.
15. 15

    Reconnect front suspension and drivetrain
    Install the strut-to-knuckle bolts on both sides and torque to specification. Raise the lower control arms to the steering knuckles and install the ball joint nuts. Torque ball joint nuts to specification and install new cotter pins. Reconnect the sway bar links and torque nuts while holding the shaft with an Allen key. Reconnect the front driveshaft to the front differential. Connect power steering lines to the steering gear and ensure connections are tight.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts133 Nm (98 lb-ft)

    Ball Joint Nut101 Nm (75 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Refill fluids and final assembly
    Refill the front differential with 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil (1.5 quarts) and install drain plug. Refill the power steering system with Motorcraft MERCON LV fluid (1 quart) and bleed air from the system by turning the steering wheel lock-to-lock several times with engine running. Reinstall wheel well splash shields and front skid plate. Install both front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Install new cotter pins on ball joint castle nuts and bend tabs properly
3. Verify all fluid levels are correct and no leaks are present
4. Ensure steering wheel is still centered and matches the mark made during disassembly
5. Double-check that all electrical connectors, hoses, and components are properly reconnected

Verification

• Lower vehicle to ground and reconnect battery negative cable
• Start engine and verify power steering operates smoothly without noise or leaks
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock several times and recheck power steering fluid level
• Check for any fluid leaks under the vehicle, particularly at power steering connections and front differential
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify steering response and no unusual noises from front suspension
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment as soon as possible after completion

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