This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear sway bar (stabilizer bar) on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear sway bar assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated rear jacking point
5. Support vehicle with jack stands under frame rails on both sides
6. Remove both rear wheels completely

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect sway bar assembly
   Before removal, inspect the sway bar, bushings, brackets, and links for wear, cracks, or damage. Note the routing and orientation of the sway bar for reinstallation. Take photos if necessary for reference.
2. 2

   Apply penetrating oil
   Spray penetrating oil on all sway bar link nuts and bracket bolts. Allow to soak for 5-10 minutes to ease removal, especially if vehicle is from a rust-prone area.
3. 3

   Remove sway bar link from frame side
   Locate the upper sway bar link connection at the frame or body mount. Insert the appropriate Allen key into the shaft end to hold it stationary. Using a wrench or socket on the nut, remove the upper link nut. Repeat for both sides. The link may remain attached to the sway bar at this point.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove sway bar link from sway bar
   Locate the lower sway bar link connection at the sway bar itself. Insert the Allen key into the shaft to prevent rotation. Remove the lower link nut. Remove both sway bar links completely from the vehicle. Set aside for inspection or replacement.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove sway bar bracket bolts
   Locate the sway bar mounting brackets that secure the bar to the frame or axle housing. There are typically two brackets. Remove the bolts from both brackets using the appropriate socket. Support the sway bar with one hand as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Support the sway bar before removing the last bracket bolt to prevent it from falling and causing injury or damage.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove sway bar brackets and bushings
   Remove both sway bar mounting brackets. Note the orientation of the bracket openings. Remove the rubber bushings from the sway bar. Inspect bushings for wear, cracking, or flattening. Replace if damaged.
7. 7

   Remove rear sway bar
   Carefully maneuver the sway bar out from its mounting position. Depending on exhaust and suspension configuration, you may need to rotate or angle the bar to clear obstacles. Remove the bar from the vehicle.
8. 8

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the sway bar mounting points on the frame or axle. Remove any rust, dirt, or old bushing material. This ensures proper fitment and reduces future corrosion.
9. 9

   Install new sway bar bushings
   Install new or inspected bushings onto the new sway bar. Ensure the bushing splits face toward the bracket opening direction. Apply a light film of supplied bushing grease if provided (do not use petroleum-based grease on rubber bushings).
10. 10

    Position new sway bar
    Carefully maneuver the new sway bar into position, routing it through the suspension components and around any exhaust or drivetrain components. Align the bushing locations with the mounting bracket positions on the frame or axle.
11. 11

    Install sway bar brackets
    Position the mounting brackets over the bushings and align with the mounting holes. Start all bracket bolts by hand before tightening. Ensure bushings are properly seated in brackets and not pinched or twisted.
12. 12

    Torque sway bar bracket bolts
    Torque both sway bar bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern (alternating between brackets) to ensure even loading on the bushings and proper bar alignment.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Bracket Bolts55 Nm (40 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install sway bar links
    Install the sway bar links, connecting the lower end to the sway bar and upper end to the frame or body mount. Start the nuts by hand. Use the Allen key to hold the link shaft while tightening the nuts on both ends of each link.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels
    Reinstall both rear wheels, starting lug nuts by hand to avoid cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully torque yet.
15. 15

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Carefully raise the vehicle slightly to remove jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all bracket bolts and link nuts are torqued to specification
2. Verify sway bar has proper clearance from exhaust, driveshaft, and suspension components throughout suspension travel
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no abnormal noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper handling response through gentle turns
• After 50-100 miles, re-check sway bar bracket bolt and link nut torque
• Visually inspect for proper clearance with suspension at rest

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