This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front radius arm on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radius arm (left or right as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Radius arm to frame bushings (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin for ball joint (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support with jack stands at frame rails behind front suspension
5. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
6. Spray all radius arm bolts and ball joint nut with penetrating oil and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove sway bar link
   Disconnect the sway bar link from the radius arm by removing the lower nut. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning while loosening the nut. This provides access to the radius arm.
2. 2

   Support lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm near the ball joint to support the weight of the suspension. Raise jack slightly to take load off components but do not lift vehicle.
   ⚠The jack must remain in place through most of this procedure to control suspension movement.
3. 3

   Remove radius arm to axle ball joint
   Remove the cotter pin (if equipped) from the ball joint castle nut. Using an 18mm or 21mm socket (size varies), remove the ball joint nut connecting the radius arm to the front axle beam. Use a pickle fork or ball joint separator to break the taper joint free. Strike the separator firmly to pop the ball joint free from the axle mount.
4. 4

   Remove front radius arm to frame bolt
   Locate the large horizontal bolt connecting the front of the radius arm to the frame bracket. This is a through-bolt with a nut on the backside. Support the radius arm with one hand or a bungee cord. Remove the nut and bolt completely. The radius arm will now pivot on the rear mounting point only.
5. 5

   Remove rear radius arm to frame bolt
   Locate the rear radius arm mounting bolt that attaches to the frame rail. This bolt may be difficult to access. Remove the nut and bolt completely. The radius arm is now free from the vehicle. Lower the floor jack slowly to control the arm as it releases.
   ⚠The radius arm may shift or drop when this final bolt is removed. Maintain control of the component.
6. 6

   Inspect mounting points and bushings
   Inspect the frame mounting brackets for cracks, damage, or excessive wear. Inspect all bushings in the radius arm and replace if cracked, torn, or excessively worn. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush to remove rust and debris.
7. 7

   Install new radius arm to rear frame mount
   Position the new radius arm into place and align the rear bushing with the frame bracket. Insert the rear mounting bolt through the frame and radius arm bushing. Thread the nut onto the bolt finger-tight but do not torque yet. The suspension must be at ride height before final torquing.
8. 8

   Install front radius arm to frame bolt
   Align the front of the radius arm with the forward frame bracket. You may need to use a pry bar to align the holes. Insert the front mounting bolt and thread the nut finger-tight. Do not torque yet.
9. 9

   Connect radius arm ball joint to axle
   Raise the floor jack under the lower control arm to lift the axle beam and align the ball joint stud with the hole in the axle mount. Insert the ball joint stud into the axle mount. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. If equipped with a cotter pin, align the castle nut slots with the hole in the stud and install a new cotter pin.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link into the mounting point on the radius arm. Install the nut and tighten to specification while holding the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the wheel onto the hub and install all lug nuts finger-tight. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded.
12. 12

    Torque radius arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle weight on the suspension (tires touching ground), torque both the front and rear radius arm to frame bolts. These control arm bolts must be torqued at ride height to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.
    ℹ️Control arm and radius arm bolts must always be torqued with vehicle weight on the suspension to ensure proper bushing orientation.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are tightened to specification
2. Verify cotter pin is installed on ball joint if equipped
3. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or unusual noises from front suspension
• Check that steering responds normally with no binding
• Perform visual inspection of all mounting points to confirm proper installation
• Have front end alignment checked and adjusted as radius arm replacement will affect alignment settings

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