How to Replace the Springs in a Lincoln Navigator

The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV. The Navigator has load-leveling suspension with high performance springs. Replacing the springs in the Lincoln Navigator requires the removal of parts of the brake system and other suspension system components. The replacement set of springs should be standard for the Lincoln Navigator.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement springs
• Safety goggles
• Floor jack and stands
• Socket wrench and sockets
• Box wrench
• Adjustable crescent wrench
• Lug wrench
• Torque wrench
• Spring compressor and associated tools

Instructions

Removing the Front Springs

1. Raise the Navigator and secure the wheels with jack stands. As a full-size SUV, the Lincoln Navigator is heavy and the frame needs to be supported properly when servicing.

2. Take off the wheels before disconnecting and/or removing: disc brake caliper and adapter, rotor and splash shield, shock absorber, brake hose bracket, lower control arm's bar link nut and bushing.

3. Move the sway bar link away from the lower control arm.

4. Attach a spring compressor and compress the springs. This separates the spring from the upper and lower control arms. Be very careful when releasing the pressure on the springs. The springs hold a great deal of potential energy which can be very dangerous if not released properly.

5. Mark the alignment of the alignment cams on the lower control arm before removing the nuts and bolts on the lower control arm and taking off the lower control arm and spring as one unit.

6. Take the spring compressor off the assembly and remove the spring. Inspect the spring for signs of wear and replace it with a new spring.

7. Replace the coil spring with a new factory standard spring.

Reinstalling the Front Springs

1. Put the new springs into the saddle of the control arm before attaching the spring compressor.

2. Attach the lower control arm to the frame and tighten all retaining bolts cams and nuts. Use the markings taken earlier to properly align the cams.

3. Reinstall a new cotter pin and tighten the nuts, bushings, retaining nuts and sway bar link. Use the manufacturer's specifications for foot pounds of pressure on all nuts.

4. Reattach and reinstall the shock, brake hose and shield, disc brake rotor and caliper assembly. Tighten the lower bolts and top nuts to the proper pressure.

5. Reattach the wheel and tire assemblies before lowering the Navigator.

6. Compress the brake pedal several times to set the brakes before driving.

7. Check the alignment and adjust before taking the Navigator out for a test drive.

Replacing the Rear Springs

1. Raise and support the Navigator with jacks and jack stands.

2. Pull the parking brake cable and the parking brake control with a retaining clip.

3. Remove and/or disconnect the following: parking brake and caliper cables, disc brake caliper bolts, axle vent tube, rear axle stabilizer bar and its retainer.

4. Support the rear axle with a heavy duty jack. The rear axle carries a great deal of weight and a heavy hydraulic jack to provide the greatest safety.

5. Remove the rear suspension upper and lower arm before and attach a spring compressor.

6. Lower the rear axle slowly to relieve the pressure on the coil spring. This can be potentially dangerous. Exercise great caution as the released spring can cause injury. Replace the spring.

7. Reinstall all removed or disconnected components and check the Navigator's rear alignment before taking it on the road.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy powder-coated springs which are coated with a rust proofing before the powder paint is applied and baked on. This process makes the spring much more resistant to corrosion.

• Always check the manufacturer's specifications for pressure on all nuts, bolts and retainers.

• Take the pressure off the springs before disassembling. This is potentially very dangerous as the springs carry a great deal of force which is expended when their restraints are released.

• If the Navigator is equipped with an air suspension system, power must be turned off to the system before jacking it up. The weight of the vehicle may shift during repairs due to movement of the air springs.

Resources

• Auto Parts Warehouse: Lincoln Navigator parts
• JC Whitney: Lincoln Navigator parts