1972 Ford F-100 torque specs

302ci V8

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Lug nuts105 lb-ft142.4 Nm
Oil drain plug25 lb-ft34 Nm
Spark plugs15 lb-ft20 Nm
Front caliper bracket bolts74 lb-ft100 Nm
Rear caliper bracket bolts81 lb-ft110 Nm

Maintenance

Tire Rotation1 spec
- Lug Nuts - Steel WheelsTorque in star pattern105 lb-ft142.4 Nm

Brakes

Brake Caliper - Front2 specs
- Bleeder ScrewDo not overtighten7 lb-ft10 Nm
- Caliper Bracket BoltsFront discs were OPTIONAL equipment in 1972 - drum brakes standard. Confirm the truck has discs before using. Verified by Chris Hackleman (master tech, owner) 2026-07-29, dupe-merge ruling74 lb-ft100 Nm
Brake Caliper - Rear1 spec
- Bleeder ScrewDo not overtighten7 lb-ft10 Nm
Brake Master Cylinder2 specs
- Brake Line FittingsUse flare nut wrench11 lb-ft15 Nm
- Master Cylinder Nuts18 lb-ft25 Nm
Brake Master Cylinder Rebuild3 specs
- Brake Line FittingsUse flare nut wrench11 lb-ft15 Nm
- Master Cylinder Mounting Nuts18 lb-ft25 Nm
- Reservoir Mounting Bolts6 lb-ft8 Nm
Brake Pads - Front2 specs
- Caliper Slide Pin BoltsApply silicone brake grease26 lb-ft35 Nm
- Wheel Lug NutsTorque in star pattern105 lb-ft142.4 Nm
Brake Pads - Rear2 specs
- Caliper Slide Pin BoltsApply silicone brake grease22 lb-ft30 Nm
- Wheel Lug NutsTorque in star pattern105 lb-ft142.4 Nm
Front Brake Pad Replacement2 specs
- Caliper Slide Pin BoltsApply silicone brake grease26 lb-ft35 Nm
- Wheel Lug NutsTorque in star pattern105 lb-ft142.4 Nm
Rear Brake Shoe Replacement3 specs
- Backing Plate Bolts44 lb-ft60 Nm
- Wheel Cylinder Bolts9 lb-ft12 Nm
- Wheel Lug NutsTorque in star pattern105 lb-ft142.4 Nm

Engine

Engine Mount - Front3 specs
- Engine Mount Through-Bolt63 lb-ft85 Nm
- Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts48 lb-ft65 Nm
- Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts55 lb-ft75 Nm
Exhaust Manifold Gasket3 specs
- Exhaust Manifold NutsApply anti-seize, work hot-to-cold22 lb-ft30 Nm
- Exhaust Manifold StudsIf replacing studs11 lb-ft15 Nm
- Heat Shield Bolts7 lb-ft10 Nm
Fan Belt Replacement3 specs
- Idler Pulley Bolt30 lb-ft40 Nm
- Tensioner Bolt18 lb-ft25 Nm
- Tensioner Pulley Bolt33 lb-ft45 Nm
Flywheel2 specs
- Flexplate BoltsAutomatic (C4) transmission only - manual trucks use the Flywheel Bolts spec. Restored 2026-07-29 per Chris: a C4-equipped truck does have a flexplate. Same crank flange and bolts as the flywheel63 lb-ft85 Nm
- Flywheel BoltsOften TTY - check specs, tighten in star pattern70 lb-ft95 Nm
Full Engine Tune-Up2 specs
- Ignition Coil Bolt6 lb-ft8 Nm
- Valve Cover BoltsTighten in sequence7 lb-ft10 Nm
Head Gasket - Single5 specs
- Exhaust Manifold NutsApply anti-seize18 lb-ft25 Nm
- Intake Manifold BoltTighten in sequence18 lb-ft25 Nm
- Cylinder Head Bolts - Step 1Bolt order center-out - top row: 9-5-1-3-7, bottom row: 10-6-2-4-8. Windsor 302 staging 35/50/72. Verified by Chris Hackleman (master tech, owner) 2026-07-29, F-100 triangulation review35 lb-ft47 Nm
- Cylinder Head Bolts - Step 2Bolt order center-out - top row: 9-5-1-3-7, bottom row: 10-6-2-4-8. Windsor 302 staging 35/50/72. Verified by Chris Hackleman (master tech, owner) 2026-07-29, F-100 triangulation review50 lb-ft68 Nm
- Cylinder Head Bolts - Step 3Bolt order center-out - top row: 9-5-1-3-7, bottom row: 10-6-2-4-8. Windsor 302 staging 35/50/72, final pass. Verified by Chris Hackleman (master tech, owner) 2026-07-29, F-100 triangulation review72 lb-ft + 90°98 Nm
Intake Manifold Gasket1 spec
- Intake Manifold BoltTighten in sequence from center out18 lb-ft25 Nm
Oil Change2 specs
- Oil Drain PlugUse new crush washer25 lb-ft34 Nm
- Oil Filter (Spin-On)Hand tight plus 3/4 turn15 lb-ft20 Nm
Oil Pan Gasket2 specs
- Oil Drain PlugUse new crush washer26 lb-ft35 Nm
- Oil Pan BoltTighten in sequence from center outward9 lb-ft12 Nm
Serpentine Belt2 specs
- Belt Tensioner Bolt35 lb-ft47 Nm
- Idler Pulley Bolt33 lb-ft45 Nm
Throttle Body1 spec
- Air Intake Hose Clamps2 lb-ft3 Nm
Timing Chain1 spec
- Timing Cover BoltTighten in sequence9 lb-ft12 Nm
Timing Chain Kit3 specs
- Camshaft Sprocket BoltsSingle center bolt retains the 302 cam sprocket. Verified by Chris Hackleman (master tech, owner) 2026-07-29, dupe-merge ruling45 lb-ft61 Nm
- Crankshaft Pulley BoltCenter bolt through the balancer; the crank pulley bolts to the balancer separately. Verified by Chris Hackleman (master tech, owner) 2026-07-29, F-100 triangulation review90 lb-ft122 Nm
- Timing cover bolts (5/16-18)15 lb-ft20 Nm
Timing Chain Tensioner2 specs
- Tensioner Cap/PlugUse new crush washer if equipped22 lb-ft30 Nm
- Timing Cover Access Bolts9 lb-ft12 Nm
Transmission Mount2 specs
- Crossmember Bolt70 lb-ft95 Nm
- Transmission Mount Bolts48 lb-ft65 Nm
Valve Cover Gasket - Single2 specs
- Spark Plug Tube SealsIf equipped with separate seals9 lb-ft12 Nm
- Valve Cover BoltsTighten in sequence7 lb-ft10 Nm

Cooling

Coolant Flush2 specs
- Block Drain PlugIf equipped, use new washer18 lb-ft25 Nm
- Drain PetcockPlastic - hand-tight only4 lb-ft5 Nm
Radiator4 specs
- Drain PetcockPlastic - hand tight4 lb-ft5 Nm
- Radiator Mounting BoltDo not overtighten plastic mounts9 lb-ft12 Nm
- Transmission Cooler LinesIf equipped18 lb-ft25 Nm
- Upper/Lower Hose Clamps2 lb-ft3 Nm
Radiator Removal and Service4 specs
- Drain PetcockPlastic - hand-tight only4 lb-ft5 Nm
- Fan Shroud Bolts7 lb-ft10 Nm
- Radiator Mounting BoltDo not overtighten plastic mounts9 lb-ft12 Nm
- Transmission Cooler LinesIf equipped, use new washers18 lb-ft25 Nm
Thermostat2 specs
- Coolant Temperature SensorUse thread sealant15 lb-ft20 Nm
- Thermostat Housing Bolt11 lb-ft15 Nm
Thermostat Housing3 specs
- Coolant Outlet/Housing BoltsTighten in sequence9 lb-ft12 Nm
- Coolant Temperature Sensor15 lb-ft20 Nm
- Hose ClampsSpring or constant-tension preferred2 lb-ft3 Nm
Water Pump3 specs
- Hose ClampsSpring clamps preferred2 lb-ft3 Nm
- Thermostat Housing Bolt11 lb-ft15 Nm
- Water Pump BoltsTighten in criss-cross pattern18 lb-ft25 Nm

Ignition

Spark Plugs2 specs
- Ignition Coil Bolt6 lb-ft8 Nm
- Spark Plugs - Cast Iron Head302 heads are cast iron. Verified by Chris Hackleman (master tech, owner) 2026-07-29, dupe-merge ruling15 lb-ft20 Nm

Fuel system

Fuel Filter2 specs
- Fuel Filter Bracket Bolt7 lb-ft10 Nm
- Fuel Line FittingsIf threaded type18 lb-ft25 Nm
Fuel Pump1 spec
- Tank Strap Bolts26 lb-ft35 Nm

Electrical

Alternator3 specs
- Alternator Mounting Bolts30 lb-ft41 Nm
- Alternator Pivot Bolt30 lb-ft41 Nm
- Battery Terminal BoltsDo not overtighten6 lb-ft8 Nm
Battery3 specs
- Battery Hold-Down Bolt6 lb-ft8 Nm
- Battery Terminal BoltsDo not overtighten - can crack terminal4 lb-ft6 Nm
- Battery Tray Bolts9 lb-ft12 Nm
Blower Motor2 specs
- Blower Motor Mounting Screw3 lb-ft4 Nm
- Blower Motor Resistor Screws1.5 lb-ft2 Nm
Starter3 specs
- Heat Shield BoltsIf equipped7 lb-ft10 Nm
- Starter Mounting BoltLong bolt may need extension37 lb-ft50 Nm
- Starter Solenoid NutFor B+ cable9 lb-ft12 Nm

Suspension

Front Suspension Rebuild3 specs
- Lower Control Arm BoltsTwin I-beam front end - beam pivots + radius arms, kingpins at the outer ends. Verified by Chris Hackleman (master tech, owner) 2026-07-29, dupe-merge ruling65 lb-ft88 Nm
- Strut Top Mount Nuts18 lb-ft25 Nm
- Sway Bar End Link Nuts44 lb-ft60 Nm
Rear Suspension Service2 specs
- Shock Lower Bolt52 lb-ft70 Nm
- Sway Bar End Link Nuts37 lb-ft50 Nm
Shock Absorber Replacement2 specs
- Lower Mount Bolt66 lb-ft90 Nm
- Upper Mount NutUse new self-locking nut41 lb-ft55 Nm
Strut Assembly - Front1 spec
- Sway Bar End Link Nuts41 lb-ft55 Nm

Steering

Power Steering Pump7 specs
- Crank Pulley-to-Balancer Bolts3 or 4 bolts into the balancer face. 2-groove pulley standard; 3-groove with power steering. Verified by Chris Hackleman (master tech, owner) 2026-07-29, F-100 triangulation review35 lb-ft47 Nm
- High Pressure Hose FittingUse new O-rings18 lb-ft25 Nm
- Power Steering Pump Bolts18 lb-ft25 Nm
- Pressure Line FittingUse new O-rings22 lb-ft30 Nm
- Pump Mounting Bolts18 lb-ft25 Nm
- Return Hose Clamp2 lb-ft3 Nm
- Return Line Clamp3 lb-ft4 Nm

Drivetrain

Driveshaft - Front1 spec
- Center Support Bearing Bracket Bolts35 lb-ft50 Nm
Driveshaft - Rear3 specs
- Differential Pinion Yoke NutUse new nut, set pinion preload184 lb-ft250 Nm
- Driveshaft Flange Bolts55 lb-ft75 Nm
- U-Joint Strap BoltsApply threadlocker26 lb-ft35 Nm
Driveshaft Center Support Bearing2 specs
- Center Support Bearing Bracket Bolts35 lb-ft50 Nm
- Driveshaft Flange Bolts55 lb-ft75 Nm
Wheel Bearing Hub - Front1 spec
- Caliper Bracket Bolts88 lb-ft120 Nm
Wheel Bearing Hub - Rear2 specs
- Axle Nut - RearRear axle nut. Front wheel bearings on this truck are serviceable tapered bearings set by PRELOAD (tighten while rotating, back off) - a procedure, not a torque value. Verified by Chris Hackleman (master tech, owner) 2026-07-29, dupe-merge ruling148 lb-ft201 Nm
- Caliper Bracket Bolts81 lb-ft110 Nm

Transmission

Transmission Fluid Change2 specs
- Transmission Filter BoltsIf equipped with bolted filter6 lb-ft8 Nm
- Transmission Pan BoltsTighten in criss-cross pattern9 lb-ft12 Nm

Exhaust

Muffler2 specs
- Hanger Bracket Bolts18 lb-ft25 Nm
- Muffler Clamps41 lb-ft55 Nm

Heating and A/C

AC Compressor3 specs
- AC Compressor Bolts35 lb-ft47 Nm
- AC Line FittingsUse new O-rings, add PAG oil15 lb-ft20 Nm
- Clutch Connector Bolt6 lb-ft8 Nm
AC Condenser2 specs
- AC Line FittingsUse new O-rings15 lb-ft20 Nm
- Condenser Mounting Bolts9 lb-ft12 Nm

Torque is shown in lb-ft with Nm below it. Where a step says to turn, tighten the listed angle after the torque step before it. Use new bolts where the note says so.

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