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 upper 2 transaxle insulator-to-frame 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 insulator through bolt and flagnut.
   • 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 Oil Pan Holding Fixture.
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 article.
6. Install the exhaust Y-pipe. For additional information, refer to EXHAUST SYSTEM article.

All vehicles 

7. Position the transaxle support insulator in place and install the lower 2 transaxle insulator-to-frame 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-to-bracket bolts.
    • Tighten to 90 Nm (66 lb-ft).
Fig 7: Locating Transaxle Insulator Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
11. Remove the Engine Support Bar.
Fig 8: Installing Engine Support Bar To Support Engine
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
12. Remove the Engine Lifting Bracket and Universal Adapter Bracket "L" hook 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 article.