The Ford E-350 one-ton van is available in various configurations. With seats installed, you can accommodate up to 12 passengers. The E-350 has front coil spring and independent suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers. Instead of control arms, the E-350 uses Ford’s twin I-beam suspension, where two axles are independently mounted to the frame. The fore and aft position of the axles are maintained by radius arms that bolt to the axles and mount to a crossmember behind the axles. The radius arms are secured to the crossmember with bushings which wear out over time, and must be replaced.
Park the E-350 on a level, paved surface, and set the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels. Raise the front of the Ford with a jack, and support with jack stands positioned on the frame. Remove the lug nuts and wheels.
Place a floor jack under the axle you are working on. Raise the jack so it is just starting to raise the axle. Remove the bolt from the lower shock absorber mount with a ratchet and socket. This is where the shock attaches to the radius arm. Push the shock absorber out of the mount.
Locate the upper spring retainer. It is at the top front of the upper spring seat. Use a ratchet and socket to remove the bolt from the upper spring retainer. Remove the retainer.
Slowly lower the jack and axle far enough so that you can remove the coil spring. Remove the lower spring seat. This will expose the nut and bolt that attach the front of the radius arm to the axle. Use a wrench and ratchet and socket to remove the nut and bolt.
Move to the rear of the radius arm, and use a ratchet and socket to remove the nut from the rear of the radius arm at the frame bracket. Remove the washer and rubber insulator from the rear of the radius arm. Slide the front of the radius arm in towards the center of the axle until you can lower the front of the radius arm.
Slide the radius arm forward to remove the rear of the arm from the frame bracket. Remove the inside spacer and rubber bushing. Slide on a new bushing. Slide on the spacer. Slide the end of the radius arm back into the frame bracket. Position the front of the radius arm on the axle. Slide a new bushing on the end of the radius arm. Install the washer and nut hand tight.
Install the bolt and nut in the front of the radius arm and axle. Use a torque wrench and socket to torque the nut to 240 to 320 foot-pounds. Mount the lower spring seat onto the radius arm.
Install the coil spring. Raise the jack to seat the coil spring in the upper seat. Make sure the top of the coil spring is properly seated in the upper spring seat with the flat part of the coil against the front of the upper seat where you will install the retainer. Install the retainer and bolt. Torque the bolt to 20 to 30 foot-pounds.
Use a torque wrench and socket to torque the nut at the rear radius arm nut to 80 to 120 foot-pounds.
