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.