Replace worn subframe bushings to restore proper suspension alignment and eliminate clunking or handling issues on 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front subframe bushing kit (4 bushings) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification or equivalent
• Ball joint cotter pins × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at frame rails behind subframe mounting points
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak 15-30 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar links
   Disconnect both front sway bar links from the lower control arms. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning while removing the upper nuts. Support the sway bar to prevent damage to end links.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Separate ball joints from knuckles
   Remove the ball joint castle nuts from both lower control arms. Remove and discard cotter pins. Use a ball joint separator tool to separate the ball joints from the steering knuckles. Do not use a hammer directly on the knuckle as this can damage components.
   ⚠Ball joint separator creates significant force. Ensure tool is properly seated before applying pressure.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect steering linkage
   Disconnect the outer tie rod ends from both steering knuckles if they interfere with subframe removal. Remove cotter pins and castle nuts, then use a tie rod separator tool. Mark the position of tie rod end adjustment for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove shock absorber lower bolts
   Remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolts on both sides. Support the lower control arms with a jack to prevent them from dropping when disconnected. The shocks help control the suspension drop.
   ⚠Control arms will drop when disconnected. Keep hands clear of pinch points.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect brake line brackets
   Remove any brake line brackets or ABS sensor wiring attached to the subframe or lower control arms. Carefully move these components aside to prevent damage during subframe removal. Do not allow brake lines to hang unsupported.
6. 6

   Support subframe with transmission jack
   Position a hydraulic transmission jack or heavy-duty floor jack under the center of the front subframe. Raise jack until it just contacts the subframe and supports its weight. Place a wood block between jack and subframe to distribute load and prevent damage.
   ⚠️Ensure jack is positioned securely and centered. Subframe weighs over 100 lbs and will shift when mounting bolts are removed.
7. 7

   Mark and remove subframe mounting bolts
   Mark the position of the subframe relative to the frame rails using paint or a marker for proper realignment. Remove all four subframe-to-frame mounting bolts. These are large bolts typically 18-21mm. Keep bolts organized by position as they may be different lengths.
   ⚠Subframe will shift when last bolt is removed. Maintain control of the jack at all times.
8. 8

   Lower subframe
   Carefully lower the transmission jack to drop the subframe approximately 4-6 inches. Lower slowly and check for any components still attached. Ensure brake lines, wiring, and steering components are clear. You may need to lower further depending on bushing access.
9. 9

   Remove old bushings
   With subframe lowered or removed completely, remove the old bushings from the subframe mounting points. Use a bushing press tool or hydraulic press to push out the old rubber bushings. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush and remove all rust and debris. Inspect bores for damage or cracking.
   ℹ️Note the orientation of original bushings. Most bushings have a specific directional installation with voids oriented in particular directions.
10. 10

    Install new bushings
    Apply a light coating of dish soap or approved bushing lubricant (not petroleum-based) to the new bushings and bores. Press new bushings into subframe using a bushing press tool or hydraulic press. Ensure bushings are fully seated and oriented correctly per manufacturer specifications. The bushing should be flush or slightly recessed from the mounting surface.
    ⚠Do not use grease or oil on bushings as this degrades rubber. Use only approved lubricants for installation.
11. 11

    Raise and align subframe
    Raise the subframe back into position using the transmission jack. Align the subframe with the reference marks made during disassembly. The alignment is critical for proper suspension geometry. Install all four subframe mounting bolts finger-tight first, then verify alignment before final torquing.
12. 12

    Torque subframe mounting bolts
    Torque all four subframe mounting bolts to manufacturer specification in a cross pattern. Verify subframe alignment marks still match after torquing. The new bushings will compress slightly during torquing which is normal.
    ℹ️Ford does not include subframe mounting bolt torque in the provided specification list. Consult factory service manual for exact torque value, typically 148-203 Nm (109-150 lb-ft) for this application.
13. 13

    Reconnect suspension components
    Reconnect the lower shock absorber bolts on both sides and torque to specification. Reconnect the ball joints to the steering knuckles and install new cotter pins. Reconnect the sway bar links, holding the shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nuts. Reconnect tie rod ends if removed and install new cotter pins.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)

    Ball Joint Nut110 Nm (81 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link76 Nm (56 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall brake brackets and wiring
    Reinstall all brake line brackets and ABS sensor wiring to the subframe and control arms in their original positions. Ensure no wires or lines are pinched or stretched.
15. 15

    Install wheels and perform final torquing
    Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts. Lower vehicle to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. If control arm bushings were disturbed, the control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on the suspension.
    ⚠Control arm bolts must be torqued with wheels on ground or bushing failure will occur.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify all brake lines and wiring are properly secured and not contacting moving suspension components
3. Verify new cotter pins are properly installed and bent on all castle nuts
4. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises or vibrations
• Check for proper steering response and verify vehicle tracks straight
• Perform alignment check as subframe removal typically requires wheel alignment
• Inspect underneath vehicle for any loose fasteners or components after test drive
• Schedule 4-wheel alignment within 50 miles as suspension geometry has been altered

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