Replace the rear trailing arm bushings on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD with 5.0L V8 engine to restore proper suspension alignment and eliminate clunking or handling issues.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trailing arm bushing kit (per side) × 2 — Use OEM specification or Moog K201764

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support frame on jack stands at manufacturer-specified points
5. Remove rear wheels
6. Spray trailing arm mounting bolts and frame mounting points with penetrating oil and allow to soak 15-20 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle housing near the trailing arm to be serviced. Raise jack until it just contacts the axle and provides light support. This prevents the axle from dropping when the trailing arm is disconnected.
2. 2

   Remove trailing arm-to-frame bolt
   Locate the front trailing arm mounting bolt that connects the trailing arm to the frame bracket. Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to remove the bolt and nut. The bolt may be seized; apply additional penetrating oil if needed. Support the trailing arm as you remove the bolt.
3. 3

   Remove trailing arm-to-axle bolt
   Locate the rear trailing arm mounting bolt that connects the trailing arm to the axle housing bracket. Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to remove the bolt and nut. Once removed, carefully lower the trailing arm and remove it from the vehicle.
4. 4

   Inspect trailing arm and bushings
   Examine the trailing arm for cracks, bends, or damage. Inspect the bushing mounting areas for excessive corrosion or deformation. Clean the bushing bore areas with a wire brush. Note the orientation of the old bushings before removal, particularly any offset or directional indicators.
5. 5

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press or bushing press kit, press the old bushings out of the trailing arm. Apply pressure evenly and slowly. If bushings are severely bonded, heat the trailing arm eye gently (not the bushing) with a heat gun to aid removal. Ensure bushing removal tool is properly aligned to prevent damage to the trailing arm bore.
   ⚠Do not use excessive heat or torch on trailing arm as this can weaken the metal structure.
6. 6

   Clean and prepare bushing bores
   Thoroughly clean the inside of the trailing arm bushing bores using a wire brush to remove rust, old rubber, and debris. Inspect the bore for damage or ovalization. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. Apply a light coat of soapy water or approved bushing lubricant to the bore to ease new bushing installation.
7. 7

   Press in new bushings
   Position the new bushing at the trailing arm bore, ensuring correct orientation per manufacturer instructions. Most bushings have a specific alignment or offset. Using the hydraulic press with appropriate installation tools, press the new bushing squarely into the trailing arm bore. Press until the bushing is fully seated and flush with the trailing arm eye. Repeat for the second bushing location on the trailing arm.
   ⚠Ensure bushing is aligned straight before pressing to prevent cocking or damage to both bushing and trailing arm.
8. 8

   Reinstall trailing arm to axle
   Position the trailing arm back into place. Insert the trailing arm-to-axle bolt through the rear mounting point. Start the nut by hand but do not fully tighten yet. Ensure the axle is still supported by the floor jack.
9. 9

   Reinstall trailing arm to frame
   Align the front of the trailing arm with the frame bracket. You may need to use a pry bar or jack to align the holes. Insert the trailing arm-to-frame bolt and start the nut by hand. Do not fully tighten yet.
10. 10

    Tighten trailing arm mounting bolts
    With the vehicle still on jack stands and the axle supported by the floor jack at ride height position, tighten both the frame and axle mounting bolts to 165 Nm (122 lb-ft). These are control arm type bolts that must be torqued at ride height to prevent bushing wind-up. Verify jack is maintaining proper axle height before final torque.
    ⚠Trailing arm bolts must be torqued with suspension at normal ride height. Torquing at full droop will cause premature bushing failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite side
    If replacing bushings on both sides, repeat steps 1-10 for the opposite trailing arm. Ensure both sides are torqued to specification at ride height.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Mount the rear wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Once the vehicle weight is fully on the wheels, torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all trailing arm bolts are torqued to specification at ride height
2. Confirm no tools or parts are left under the vehicle
3. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no clunking or unusual noises from rear suspension
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm all bolts are secure
• Schedule a professional alignment within 50 miles as trailing arm bushing replacement affects rear suspension geometry

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