Front End Steering Rebuild Kits
Package kits bundle the wearing steering parts and ball joints.
1996 Ford F-150 2WD Suspension Diagram
This interactive diagram shows the front suspension, steering linkage, driveline and rear suspension of the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD. Hover over or tap any part to see what it does, the signs that it is worn, and the replacement parts we carry that fit your truck, down to the side and position.
1996 Ford F-150 2WD Suspension Diagram (Full Chassis)
1996 Ford F-150 2WD Front Suspension and Steering Diagram
1996 Ford F-150 2WD Rear Suspension Diagram
We carry parts for it Not stocked yet Hover or tap any part.
The 1987 to 1996 F-150 2WD uses Ford's Twin I-Beam front: each wheel rides on its own forged beam that pivots on the far side of the frame, with a coil spring on top and a radius arm running back to the frame. The spindles turn on upper and lower ball joints, and a camber sleeve at the upper joint sets the alignment. The steering is a drag link from the pitman arm to the passenger spindle with the driver tie rod plugged into it. The rear is a Ford 8.8 axle on leaf springs with drum brakes.
We carry replacement parts for 33 of the 46 components on this diagram, 239 parts in all. See every part for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD.
Packages and kits
Shock Absorber Sets
Front and rear shock sets for the whole truck.
Complete Suspension Bushing Kits
Kits with the suspension bushings for the whole truck.
U-Joint Packages
Sets of the U-joints for this truck, by cab.
Lowering Kits
Lowering kits drop the front on shorter coils and the rear with new hangers and shackles.
Front Suspension
1 Twin I-Beam (driver and passenger side)
Each front wheel rides on its own forged I-beam. The beam runs from the spindle on one side, under the engine, to a pivot bracket on the other side of the frame, so the two beams cross in the middle.
Signs of wear: Uneven tire wear or camber that will not stay in spec after the bushings and ball joints are good can mean a bent beam.
We don't carry a twin i-beam for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
2 Axle Pivot Bushing
The pivot bushing sits in the inner end of each I-beam where it bolts to the frame bracket on the opposite side. It lets the beam swing up and down.
Signs of wear: Clunks over bumps, the front end wandering, or camber changing with load. A torn bushing lets the beam move side to side.
Tip: Polyurethane pivot bushings reuse the factory metal shell pressed into the beam.
See all Axle Pivot Bushings parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
3 Spindle (driver and passenger side)
The spindle carries the hub and rotor. It is held in the end of the I-beam by an upper and a lower ball joint, and its steering arm reaches forward to the tie rod end.
We don't carry a spindle for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
4 Upper Ball Joint (driver and passenger side)
The upper ball joint is pressed into the top of the spindle. Its stud goes up into the I-beam through the camber sleeve.
Signs of wear: Play at the top of the tire when it is rocked, clunks, or uneven wear on the tire edges.
Tip: Replace both joints on a side together, and set the camber sleeve when you do.
See all Front Upper Ball Joint parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
5 Lower Ball Joint (driver and passenger side)
The lower ball joint is pressed into the bottom of the spindle. Its stud points up into the lower ear of the I-beam.
Signs of wear: Play at the bottom of the tire, clunks when turning, or a torn boot.
See all Front Lower Ball Joint parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
6 Caster and Camber Sleeve (driver and passenger side)
An offset sleeve around the upper ball joint stud in the I-beam sets camber and caster. Sleeves come in steps of a quarter degree, or as an adjustable kit.
Signs of wear: Tires wearing on the inside or outside edge after the bushings and ball joints are known good.
Tip: Twin I-Beam camber changes as the beam pivot bushings wear, so check them before choosing a sleeve.
See all Front End Alignment Kit parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
7 Coil Spring (driver and passenger side)
A coil spring sits on a seat on each I-beam, inboard of the spindle, and pushes up into a pocket bracket on the frame.
Signs of wear: The front sitting low on one side, a clunk from a broken coil end, or the truck bottoming out.
Tip: Springs are sold in pairs and differ by weight rating and options, so match the rating on the listing.
See all Front Coil Springs parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
8 Coil Spring Isolator (driver and passenger side)
The isolator is the pad between the top of the coil and the frame pocket. It keeps the spring from rattling against the frame.
Signs of wear: Squeaks or a metal on metal noise from the top of the spring.
See all Front Coil Spring Isolator Pads parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
9 Front Bump Stop (driver and passenger side)
A rubber bump stop under a bracket on the frame sits over each I-beam and stops it at full compression.
Signs of wear: A hard bang over big bumps, or a torn or missing stop.
We don't carry a front bump stop for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
10 Radius Arm (driver and passenger side)
Each radius arm bolts under its I-beam below the coil spring and runs back to a bracket on the frame. It holds the beam in place front to back and sets the caster.
We don't carry a radius arm for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
11 Radius Arm Bushing (driver and passenger side)
The threaded rear end of the radius arm passes through the frame bracket with a bushing on each side, held by cupped washers and a nut. The passenger side bushing has a heat shield next to the exhaust.
Signs of wear: A clunk when braking or taking off, the steering pulling under braking, or cracked rubber at the bracket.
Tip: The radius arm bushing kits change part numbers in early 1992, so order by the build date.
See all Radius Arm Bushings parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
12 Radius Arm Bracket (driver and passenger side)
The bracket bolts to the frame rail behind the front axle and holds the rear end of the radius arm.
Signs of wear: Rust around the bushing seat or a torn lip lets the radius arm move, which shows up as wander and a clunk.
See all Radius Arm Hardware parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
13 Front Shock Absorber (driver and passenger side)
Each front shock runs from a tab on the radius arm up to a bracket on the frame.
Signs of wear: Bouncing after bumps, leaks, or cupped tire wear.
See all Front Shock Absorber parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
14 Front Sway Bar Not on every vehicle
The front sway bar crosses ahead of the I-beams. It is held to the frame by two bushings and its ends connect to the beams through short links.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted to some trucks only; many 1987-1996 2WD trucks have no front sway bar.
We don't carry a front sway bar for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
15 Front Sway Bar Bushing Not on every vehicle
Two bushings hold the front sway bar to the frame in steel brackets.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted to some trucks only; many 1987-1996 2WD trucks have no front sway bar.
Signs of wear: Clunks or squeaks over bumps and in turns.
Tip: Bars differ in size, so measure the bar and match the bushing diameter.
See all Front Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
16 Front Sway Bar Link (driver and passenger side) Not on every vehicle
A short link connects each end of the sway bar to a bracket on the I-beam.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted to some trucks only; many 1987-1996 2WD trucks have no front sway bar.
Signs of wear: A knock over small bumps, or a loose link you can move by hand.
See all Front Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
Steering
17 Drag Link (Right Inner Tie Rod)
The long rod runs from the pitman arm on the driver side across to the passenger spindle. The driver tie rod plugs into a tapered boss on it near the pitman end.
Signs of wear: Loose steering, wander, or play at the pitman end when the wheel is rocked side to side.
See all Front Inner Tie Rod End parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
18 Left Inner Tie Rod
The driver side tie rod runs from the boss on the drag link to the driver spindle arm.
Signs of wear: Play at the joint on the drag link or uneven toe wear.
See all Front Inner Tie Rod End parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
19 Right Outer Tie Rod End
The outer end on the passenger side joins the drag link to the passenger spindle arm.
Signs of wear: Play at the stud, a torn boot, or feathered tire wear.
See all Front Outer Tie Rod End parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
20 Left Outer Tie Rod End
The outer end on the driver side joins the tie rod to the driver spindle arm.
Signs of wear: Play at the stud, a torn boot, or feathered tire wear.
See all Front Outer Tie Rod End parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
21 Right Adjusting Sleeve
The threaded sleeve between the drag link and the right outer end sets toe on the passenger side and centers the steering wheel.
Signs of wear: Seized threads or a split sleeve.
See all Tie Rod Adjusting Sleeve parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
22 Left Adjusting Sleeve
The sleeve between the left tie rod and its outer end sets toe on the driver side.
Signs of wear: Seized threads or a split sleeve.
See all Tie Rod Adjusting Sleeve parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
23 Pitman Arm
The pitman arm hangs from the steering gear on the driver frame rail and moves the drag link.
Signs of wear: Play between the pitman arm and the drag link stud.
Driveline
40 Rear Driveshaft
The driveshaft runs from the transmission back to the rear axle.
We don't carry a rear driveshaft for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
41 U-Joint at the Transmission
The front U-joint of the driveshaft, behind the slip yoke at the transmission.
Signs of wear: A clunk when shifting into gear, a squeak at low speed, or a vibration that grows with speed.
42 U-Joint at the Rear Axle
The rear U-joint, at the pinion yoke on the axle.
Signs of wear: A clunk on take off or a vibration from the rear.
43 U-Joint at the Center Bearing Not on every vehicle
The middle U-joint on a two piece driveshaft, just behind the center bearing.
Not on every vehicle: Only on trucks with the two piece driveshaft, which the extended cab and some long bed trucks use.
Signs of wear: A vibration under the cab.
44 Center Support Bearing Not on every vehicle
The center bearing holds the middle of a two piece driveshaft to a crossmember.
Not on every vehicle: Only on trucks with the two piece driveshaft, which the extended cab and some long bed trucks use.
Signs of wear: A rumble or vibration under the cab, or torn rubber.
We don't carry a center support bearing for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
Rear Suspension
29 Rear Axle
The rear axle is a solid Ford 8.8 housing with the differential in the middle. It sits under the leaf springs.
We don't carry a rear axle for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
30 Rear Leaf Spring (driver and passenger side)
Each leaf spring sits on top of the axle and locates it. The front eye bolts into a hanger riveted to the frame, and the rear eye hangs from a shackle.
Signs of wear: Sagging, a broken leaf, or the axle shifting under load.
We don't carry a rear leaf spring for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
31 Leaf Spring and Shackle Bushings (driver and passenger side)
Bushings in the front and rear spring eyes and in the shackle let the spring flex while holding the axle steady.
Signs of wear: Squeaks, clunks, or the axle steering the truck over bumps.
See all Rear Leaf Spring Bushings parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
32 Front Spring Hanger (driver and passenger side)
The front hanger is riveted to the frame rail and holds the front eye of the leaf spring.
We don't carry a front spring hanger for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
33 Rear Shackle Bracket (driver and passenger side)
The rear bracket on the frame holds the top of the shackle.
Signs of wear: Rust or cracks around the bolt hole.
See all Rear Leaf Spring Shackles parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
34 Leaf Spring Shackle (driver and passenger side)
The shackle hangs from the rear bracket and lets the spring grow longer as it flattens.
Signs of wear: Worn shackle bolts or a clunk from the back of the spring.
See all Rear Leaf Spring Shackles parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
35 U-Bolts and Spring Plate (driver and passenger side)
Two U-bolts wrap under the axle tube and clamp the spring to the axle pad, with a plate and nuts on top of the spring.
We don't carry a u-bolts and spring plate for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
36 Rear Shock Absorber (driver and passenger side)
Each rear shock runs from a tab under the axle up to a bracket on the frame. The shocks are staggered: the passenger shock sits ahead of the axle and the driver shock behind it.
Signs of wear: Bouncing, leaks, or the rear hopping on rough roads.
See all Rear Shock Absorber parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
37 Rear Sway Bar Not on every vehicle
The optional rear sway bar is held under the axle and its ends link up to the frame.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted to some trucks with the heavy duty or towing options; many trucks have no rear sway bar.
We don't carry a rear sway bar for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
38 Rear Sway Bar Link (driver and passenger side) Not on every vehicle
Each link runs from the end of the rear sway bar up through the bottom of the frame rail.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted to some trucks with the heavy duty or towing options; many trucks have no rear sway bar.
Signs of wear: A knock from the rear over bumps.
See all Rear Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
39 Rear Sway Bar Bushing (driver and passenger side) Not on every vehicle
The bar bushings hold the rear sway bar to brackets on the axle.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted to some trucks with the heavy duty or towing options; many trucks have no rear sway bar.
Signs of wear: Squeaks or clunks from the rear.
See all Rear Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
Brakes and Hubs
24 Front Hub and Rotor (driver and passenger side)
On the 1994 to 1996 2WD truck the front rotor and hub are one part that turns on bearings on the spindle.
Signs of wear: Pulsing in the pedal, grooves or a lip on the rotor face, or a rough wheel bearing.
Tip: 1987 to 1993 trucks use a different rotor, caliper and pads, so order by year.
25 Front Brake Caliper (driver and passenger side)
A single piston caliper straddles the rear of each front rotor.
Signs of wear: Pulling to one side, a stuck piston, or a leak.
See all Front Brake Caliper parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
26 Front Brake Pads (driver and passenger side)
The pads sit in the caliper on each side of the rotor.
Signs of wear: Squealing, grinding, or a long pedal.
27 Rear Brake Drum (driver and passenger side)
The rear brakes are drums over the shoes.
We don't carry a rear brake drum for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
28 Rear Brake Shoes (driver and passenger side)
Two shoes inside each rear drum press out against it.
Signs of wear: A low parking brake, grinding, or a pull when braking.
Body and Mounts
45 Transmission Mount
The transmission mount sits on the crossmember under the transmission tail.
Signs of wear: A clunk on take off or when shifting.
See all Transmission Mount parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
46 Body Mounts
Rubber body mounts sit between the frame and the cab and bed.
Signs of wear: Clunks from the body over bumps, or the cab sitting crooked on the frame.
See all Body Mount Bushings Kit parts for the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD
Questions about the 1996 Ford F-150 2WD suspension
Why does my F-150 2WD wear the front tires on the edges?
Twin I-Beam camber changes as the beams move, so worn axle pivot bushings, radius arm bushings or ball joints show up as edge wear. Check those parts first, then set camber with the offset sleeve at the upper ball joint.
Which front brake parts fit my 1996 F-150 2WD?
The 1994 to 1996 2WD trucks use a one piece hub and rotor with a single piston caliper. 1987 to 1993 trucks use a different rotor, caliper and pads, so order by year.
Does the F-150 2WD have a rear sway bar?
Some do. Trucks with the heavy duty or towing options have a bar under the rear axle with links up to the frame, and we carry its links and bushings. Many trucks have none.
Which radius arm bushings do I need?
The radius arm bushing kit changed early in 1992. Trucks built before February 1992 use one set and later trucks another, so check the build date on the door label.
Which years share this suspension?
The 1987 to 1996 F-150 2WD shares the I-beams, ball joints, coil springs, radius arms, steering linkage and rear springs. The front brakes changed for 1994 and the front sway bar bushings for 1992, so the parts shown here are the ones listed for the 1996 2WD truck.
Printable 1996 Ford F-150 2WD suspension diagrams
Numbered diagrams to print or save for the shop. The numbers match the numbered parts on the interactive diagram.
