Section 04-01B: Suspension, Front, 4-Wheel Drive | 1996 F-150, F-250, F-350 4x4 and Bronco Workshop Manual |
One end of each axle is attached to the front wheel spindle (3105) and a radius arm, and the other end is attached to a frame pivot bracket on the opposite side of the vehicle.
Each front wheel spindle is held in place on the axle by ball joints on I-beam axles which pivot on bronze bushings pressed in the upper and lower ends of the front wheel spindle on forged I-beam axles. A thrust bearing is installed between the lower end of the axle and the front wheel spindle to support the load on the axle. The steering arm is an integral part of the front wheel spindle.