Transaxle Support Insulator: Installation

All vehicles 

1. Clean the rear transaxle support insulator bolts using a wire brush and apply new threadlock to the threads.
NOTE: 3.0L engine shown, 3.5L engine similar.
2. Position the transaxle support insulator in place and install the 2 upper bolts.
   • Tighten to 62 Nm (46 lb-ft).
Fig 1: Locating Upper Bolts On Rear Transaxle Insulator
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

3.5L engine 

3. Install the transaxle support insulator through bolt.
   • Tighten to 130 Nm (96 lb-ft).
Fig 2: Identifying Transaxle Support Insulator Through Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
4. Remove the floor jack and the special tool.
Fig 3: Positioning Floor Jack & Special Tool (303-1295) Under Oil Pan
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
5. Install the air cleaner. For additional information, refer to ENGINE - 3.5L .
6. Install the exhaust Y-pipe. For additional information, refer to EXHAUST SYSTEM

All vehicles 

7. Position the transaxle support insulator in place and install the 2 lower bolts.
   • Tighten to 62 Nm (46 lb-ft).
Fig 4: Locating Bolts On Rear Transaxle Insulator
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
8. Position the LH front structure-to-subframe splash shield in place and install the 6 pin-type retainers.
Fig 5: Locating LH Front Structure-To-Subframe Splash Shield
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
9. Position the LH splash shield in place and install the 4 screws.
Fig 6: Locating LH Fender Splash Shield Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

3.0L engine 

10. Install the 2 transaxle support insulator bolts.
    • Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
Fig 7: Locating Transaxle Insulator Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
11. Remove the special tools.
Fig 8: Supporting Engine Using Special Tools (303-290A, 303-290-01, 303-290A-12, 303-290A-03A)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
12. Remove the Universal Lifting Brackets from the LH side of the engine.
Fig 9: Identifying Universal Lifting Brackets
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

All vehicles 

13. Install the battery and battery tray. For additional information, refer to BATTERY, MOUNTING AND CABLES .