Replace the rear trailing arm (control arm) on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD with 5.0L V8 engine. This procedure involves removing the wheel, disconnecting suspension components, and installing a new trailing arm.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear trailing arm (control arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm bolt kit (if bolts are damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Spray all trailing arm mounting bolts and ball joint nut with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack at the rear axle or frame rail. Place jack stands under the frame rails on both sides for safety. Remove the rear wheel on the side being serviced completely.
2. 2

   Support rear axle
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle near the trailing arm to support the axle weight. Raise just enough to take light pressure off the suspension but do not lift the vehicle further. This prevents the axle from dropping when the trailing arm is disconnected.
   ⚠The axle must be supported to prevent damage to brake lines and shock absorbers when the trailing arm is removed.
3. 3

   Remove shock absorber lower bolt (if applicable)
   If the shock absorber lower mount interferes with trailing arm removal, remove the lower shock bolt. Use a 15mm socket and wrench to hold the nut while removing the bolt. Allow the shock to hang freely.
4. 4

   Disconnect trailing arm from axle bracket
   Locate the trailing arm bolt at the rear axle bracket. Use an 18mm socket and wrench to remove the bolt and nut connecting the trailing arm to the axle. The bolt passes through the trailing arm bushing. Remove the bolt completely and retain hardware if reusing.
   ℹ️The trailing arm may shift when the bolt is removed. Keep hands clear of pinch points.
5. 5

   Disconnect trailing arm from frame bracket
   Locate the trailing arm bolt at the front frame bracket mounting point. Use an 18mm socket and wrench to remove the bolt and nut connecting the trailing arm to the frame. Remove the bolt completely. The trailing arm should now be free.
6. 6

   Remove trailing arm
   Lower the floor jack slightly if needed to provide clearance. Remove the trailing arm from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting points on both the frame and axle brackets for damage, rust, or wear. Clean mounting surfaces with a wire brush if necessary.
7. 7

   Prepare new trailing arm
   Compare the new trailing arm to the old unit to ensure correct part. Inspect new bushings for damage. Apply a light coat of anti-seize to the bolt holes in the frame and axle brackets to prevent corrosion and ease future removal.
8. 8

   Install new trailing arm
   Position the new trailing arm into place. Insert the front bolt through the frame bracket and trailing arm bushing first, but do not tighten. Start the nut by hand. Then insert the rear bolt through the axle bracket and trailing arm, starting the nut by hand. Ensure both bolts are properly seated.
9. 9

   Reconnect shock absorber
   If the shock absorber was disconnected, align the lower shock mount with the mounting bracket and install the bolt. Snug the bolt but do not final torque yet.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel
    Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle so the tires are just touching the ground with vehicle weight still on jack stands. This loads the suspension to the proper ride height position.
11. 11

    Torque trailing arm bolts at ride height
    With the suspension loaded at ride height (tires touching ground, weight on suspension), torque both the front frame bracket bolt and rear axle bracket bolt to specification. Use an 18mm socket and torque wrench. This is critical for bushing longevity.
    ⚠Failure to torque control arm bolts with vehicle weight on suspension will cause premature bushing failure and handling issues.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final torquing
    Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. If shock absorber was disconnected, torque the shock bolt per manufacturer specification (not provided in torque list).
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are properly torqued with vehicle at ride height
2. Double-check that wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification
3. Verify shock absorber is properly connected if it was removed

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Check for proper handling and stability during light turns
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Inspect trailing arm mounting points for proper alignment and no movement
• Have alignment checked by a professional if vehicle pulls or steering wheel is off-center

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