This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear trailing arm on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 RWD with 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear trailing arm × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trailing arm mounting bolts (if damaged) × 2 — 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
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove rear wheel completely
6. Spray all trailing arm mounting bolts with penetrating oil and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove wheel and inspect components
   With the wheel removed, visually inspect the trailing arm, bushings, and mounting points for damage or excessive wear. Note condition of hardware for comparison with replacement parts.
2. 2

   Support rear axle assembly
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle housing near the trailing arm mounting point. Raise jack just enough to slightly compress the suspension and relieve tension on the trailing arm. This prevents the axle from dropping when the trailing arm is disconnected.
   ⚠Do not raise axle excessively. Only apply enough support to maintain current position.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar link if equipped
   If the sway bar link interferes with trailing arm removal, disconnect it from the trailing arm or axle mounting point. Hold the shaft with an Allen key while removing the nut to prevent spinning.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove front trailing arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front mounting bolt that connects the trailing arm to the frame bracket. Use a breaker bar if necessary to loosen the bolt. Remove the bolt completely and set aside. Note the orientation of any washers or bushings.
5. 5

   Remove rear trailing arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt that connects the trailing arm to the rear axle housing. Remove this bolt completely. The trailing arm should now be free to be removed from the vehicle.
   ⚠Support the trailing arm as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove trailing arm from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the trailing arm out of the mounting brackets. You may need to adjust the position of the floor jack supporting the axle to create clearance. Inspect the removed trailing arm bushings and compare with the new part.
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting surfaces on both the frame bracket and axle housing. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris. Inspect mounting bolt holes for damage or thread wear.
8. 8

   Install new trailing arm
   Position the new trailing arm into place, aligning it with the frame bracket and axle housing mounting points. Insert the front mounting bolt finger-tight first, then insert the rear mounting bolt finger-tight. Ensure proper orientation of bushings and washers.
9. 9

   Torque trailing arm mounting bolts
   With both bolts installed and the suspension at normal ride height (supported by jack under axle), torque the trailing arm mounting bolts to specification. These are typically control arm bolts and must be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension.
   ℹ️Ensure suspension is at normal ride height before torquing. Do not torque while suspension is hanging.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar link if removed
    If the sway bar link was disconnected in step 3, reconnect it now. Hold the shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to prevent spinning.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel
    Mount the rear wheel back onto the hub. Install lug nuts and hand-tighten in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the vehicle weight is still on jack stands.
12. 12

    Torque wheel lug nuts and final inspection
    Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Carefully lower the vehicle completely to the ground and remove jack stands. Perform a final visual inspection of all connections and hardware.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all mounting bolts are torqued to specification with vehicle at normal ride height
2. Verify sway bar link is properly connected if it was removed
3. Double-check wheel lug nuts are torqued in star pattern

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from rear suspension
• Check for proper rear axle alignment and tracking
• Inspect all mounting points after test drive to confirm no looseness or movement
• Have alignment checked by qualified technician if vehicle pulls to one side

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