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Old 01-04-2011, 05:10 AM
Cooter83 Cooter83 is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 165
Default How to replace lower balljoints

I just replaced my lower balljoints in my 2001 ranger edge 3.0L 5spd. If you need to replace yours, it's a pain in the but if you've never done this before. The lower balljoints are press in, so you'll need a special press. If you don't have one available, you can also use a bottle jack and a 3 lb short sledge.

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/membe...ts/13557-a.jpg
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/membe...ts/13558-a.jpg
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/membe...ts/13560-a.jpg

To disassemble: 1) Jack up truck and place on jack stands. 2) Remove tire. 3)Disconnect ABS sensor wires from frame. 4) Remove caliper and brake shoes. 5) Remove lower balljoint cotter pin and castle nut. 6) Remove tie-rod end cotter pin and castle nut. 7) Remove upper ball joint bolt and nut. 8) Drop spindle, starting with the tie-rod end and ending with the lower ball joint. 9) Remove the external "C" clip on the top of the lower ball joint. 10) Beat the head of the lower ball joint until it releases from the lower "A" arm.

To assemble: 1) Tap the lower ball joint into position until it can hold itself up. 2) Place jack under lower ball joint. 3) Raise jack until the truck frame raises off the jack stand. 4) Lower the jack until the truck frame rests gently on the jack stand. 5) Hit the most outter portion of the "A" arm until ball joint is set into place. 6) Install new external "C" clip on the top of the lower ball joint. 7) Install spindle. 8) Replace lower ball joint castle nut and cotter pin. 9) Install upper balljoint w/ bolt and nut. 10) Replace tie-rod end castle nut and cotter pin. 11) Install ABS wire along frame. 12) Install tire. 13) Remove jack stands and lower vehicle.

For reference pictures, visit my album pictures labeled "Ball Joints". I hope this helps out everyone needing to replace lower ball joints.
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01 Ranger 3.0L 2WD Ext. Cab 5spd
Done: Painted Hood & Interior - Intake - Flowmaster 40's - 3" BL - Billet Grille - Blackout Headlights - Euro Tail Lights - Mamba M5 16" Wheels with 31's - Dome Light - Explorer Console - Gibson Headers - Delta Force Tuning - OHC
To Do: T3-T04 Turbo kit - Roll on Bedlinter - Paint Exterior Body Trim

Last edited by Cooter83; 01-20-2011 at 02:36 AM.
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