Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2008 Ford Explorer 2WD V8-4.6LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Toe Adjustment - Front
Toe Adjustment - Front
1. Using alignment equipment and the manufacturer's instructions, measure the front toe.
2. Start the engine and center the steering wheel.
3. Turn the engine OFF and, using a suitable holding device, lock the steering wheel in the straight ahead position.
4. NOTE: Do not allow the steering gear bellows to twist when the front wheel inner tie rod is rotated.
Remove the clamps.

5. Loosen the tie-rod jam nuts.

6. Rotate the front wheel inner tie rods until the toe setting is within specification.

7. CAUTION: Make sure to hold the tie-rod end stationary while tightening the nut or damage to the steering gear bellows can occur.
NOTE: Make sure that the toe settings are not disturbed while tightening the nuts.
Tighten the tie-rod jam nuts to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).
8. Install the clamps.
9. Recheck the toe settings and adjust if necessary.
1. Using alignment equipment and the manufacturer's instructions, measure the front toe.
2. Start the engine and center the steering wheel.
3. Turn the engine OFF and, using a suitable holding device, lock the steering wheel in the straight ahead position.
4. NOTE: Do not allow the steering gear bellows to twist when the front wheel inner tie rod is rotated.
Remove the clamps.
5. Loosen the tie-rod jam nuts.
6. Rotate the front wheel inner tie rods until the toe setting is within specification.
7. CAUTION: Make sure to hold the tie-rod end stationary while tightening the nut or damage to the steering gear bellows can occur.
NOTE: Make sure that the toe settings are not disturbed while tightening the nuts.
Tighten the tie-rod jam nuts to 70 Nm (52 lb-ft).
8. Install the clamps.
9. Recheck the toe settings and adjust if necessary.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
