2013 GT Factory "Replace Only" Suspension Bolt/Nut Info

[2013DIBGT]

Hello,

I am in the process of piecing together all the parts needed to install my aftermarket suspension on my 2013 GT. While doing research on torque specs and mounting hardware (ie..nuts/bolts..etc) I found that there are many factory bolts/nuts listed as "One Time Use" components that I would be directly interacting with so I decided to go ahead and order all new hardware for piece of mind.

I am posting this information with the understanding that some folks may find it silly or overkill to replace such parts and that they may appear just fine visually once removed but personally I don't think its wise to take chances on critical parts which are fairly low cost in the grand scheme of things considering the $3-6K typically spent on a full suite of handling upgrades.

Given the amount of time it took to track down all the Part #'s for these components I figured that I would post this info with the factory diagrams I violated and referenced while making these purchases.

The Front Strut diagram includes two Part #'s that are not Mustang specific (ie..Silicon Spring Sleeve's & Dust Boots) but these parts would be needed if you intend to remove your factory strut as a whole and not have to worry about taking them apart in order to steal items off of them to put together some aftermarket struts (Koni Yellow, in my case) during reinstallation. (Don't forget to pick up new Bump stops also..FRPP..etc)

Moderators--If this is old news and posted elsewhere on the Forum and I just missed it feel free to delete this thread. If you find any errors please let me know and I will update the info.

One thing to note while viewing this post. My car is a 2013 GT and the Part #'s should be taken in that context. I suspect, the same Part #'s would also apply to 2011-2012 GT's also but I would urge you to double check the Part #'s if you have a car of that year before using this information.


Thanks for looking

 

[neema]

I was always wondering what those part numbers were. Haven't changed mine yet, but I'll order some for the next time the strut comes out.

Thanks

 

[Whiskey11]

A lot of the nuts are one time use only because they are actually cut with a taper thread to act as a locking nut. If you reuse them, they may or may not "lock" again. I've used loctite on just about every fastener in the suspension on my car and plenty of autocross runs and lots of daily driven miles on suspension stiffer than most (but not all) without incident of a bolt coming loose. The same holds true for the Nylok nuts used on the swaybar endlinks (the updated Ford ones, not the original 05-10 ones). Inspection is key and if things are TOO loose, it's probably not a bad idea to replace them. I don't think there are any torque to yield bolts in the suspension either, just the engine (cam phaser bolts).

 

[sholzer]

Good idea! Sub'd for future reference

 

[csamsh]

Thanks! Also in for future use. I ended up not replacing this stuff because it's a PITA to find part no's.

 

[BMR Tech]

I would like to add, in my fairly extensive history in the Mustang suspension world....I have never personally seen, nor heard of a customer breaking a factory suspension bolt or nut. I have "seen" people post about bolts coming loose, but, I am still a little doubtful about the underlying reasons.

Years ago, I ran a Mustang in FFW.....and hit the tires extremely hard, and I used 10-year old bolts and nuts that were re-used at a minimum of 50 times.

 

[steveespo]

After 2 years of track running and multiple suspension mods/spring and shock changes I did swap all of the suspension nuts and bolts last year. I think I spent a total of about $125 for all front and rear hardware. I did break one bolt, it was the panhard brace bolt that has a 15 mm nut but the tapered bolt shank was the size of a bolt that takes a 13mm socket. Snapped while loosening to replace. Like Whiskey said none are torque to yield but some are deformed nuts for locking, when I reuse any bolt a few drops of blue or sometimes red locktite go on after cleaning with brake kleen.
Steve

 

[2013DIBGT]

I was going to add Torque specs to the sheet also so it would be a handy one page print out you could have while doing the install but after seeing so many varying ft/lb numbers from different sources depending on who's parts you are using I decided against it since most probably wouldn't be replacing these bolts/nuts on a stock car. It looks like most aftermarket co. Torque spec numbers listed only apply to their parts despite what Ford is recommending.

I've seen at least 3 different Tq spec # recommendations just for the Strut to spindle mounting point alone.

I am planning on getting Helm CD at some point just to have it anyway.

 

[Whiskey11]

I was going to add Torque specs to the sheet also so it would be a handy one page print out you could have while doing the install but after seeing so many varying ft/lb numbers from different sources depending on who's parts you are using I decided against it since most probably wouldn't be replacing these bolts/nuts on a stock car. It looks like most aftermarket co. Torque spec numbers listed only apply to their parts despite what Ford is recommending.

I've seen at least 3 different Tq spec # recommendations just for the Strut to spindle mounting point alone.

I am planning on getting Helm CD at some point just to have it anyway.

The Strut to Spindle bolts should be 166 lb*ft for the fine thread bolts (2011+ cars) and 148lb*ft for the 05-10 cars. Cars upgrading to the fine thread bolts form the 2011+ cars should use 166 lb*ft. I believe the camber bolts are 148 lb*ft.

That said, I want to reiterate how important those bolt torque specs are. We had another spindle failure on an F-Stock 2011/2012 GT today at Nationals, folded the entire front right suspension under the car and took the ball joint with it. No idea if bolt torque is to blame but the ears broke in the EXACT same place that the failures had been noted before from improper torque. The car was basically new, less than 15k miles IIRC.

 

[GT_350]

Best price I've found.....shipping to my zip is $12.00

 

[2013DIBGT]

Tousley has it cheaper. That's where I got all mine from.

http://parts.autonationfordwhitebearlake.com/