1995 Ball joints

erik95xlt · #1 12-31-2011, 11:14 AM

Hey guys I took my ranger in for an alignment and they told me all four of my ball joints are bad. I took a look at them and the boots seem to be intact but i am getting a rattle from the front end and my alignment is off. I originally thought my jack handle wasn't secured under the hood and was rattling around in there so hopefully that gives you an idea of what it sounds like.

Has anyone done ball joints on the older rangers without control arms? I have access to a lift this weekend so I'm hoping to get this all resolved. Also, what could the rattle be?

Thanks for any and all help!
Erik

brinker88 · #2 12-31-2011, 12:57 PM

Yea, but you really dont need a lift. They're extremely easy on a 2wd.

Take the hub/rotor/caliper off and set aside.
Take cotter pin out of TRE and loosen the nut but dont remove it.
Take a BFH (big f-in hammer) and hit the part of the knuckle where the TRE is til it pops loose. Remove the tre assy from knuckle.
Loosen the nut on the lower BJ but dont remove it.
Loosen pinch bolt on upper BJ. Remove bolt.
Make SURE to mark your alignment cams position so you dont mess up your camber.
Hit knuckle til it comes loose, and remove knuckle.
Pound out BJs and install new ones w/ a BJ intallation tool rented from more auto parts stores

Installation is the reverse of removal.

Good luck!

erik95xlt · #3 01-01-2012, 06:43 PM

Well thank you that does make it sound pretty easy. Upon further review I think that what I have is a loose caliper on the passenger side.. Bought all new brakes just have to wait till tomorrow to put them on and hopefully that will solve things!

94mtx · #4 01-01-2012, 06:47 PM

If they told you all four ball joints are bad, they probably are.

You should replace them.

Check them when you have the front end jacked up tomorrow by placing your hands at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock and shaking the wheel up and down (meaning pull towards you with your top hand while pushing away with your bottom, etc...)

If there is play (meaning it's not completely solid and moves AT ALL), replace your ball joints (but make sure it's the ball joints and not the wheel bearings.)

FFparker · #5 01-01-2012, 06:54 PM

Yeah there easy. Use YouTube. There's tons of videos of this.

erik95xlt · #6 01-02-2012, 06:35 PM

Well, had the truck on the lift today and the ball joints definitely have some play in them...

Unfortunately I noticed a much bigger problem. My front leaf spring hangers are gone. The passenger side mount had rusted completely away to where the leaf spring was basically clinging onto what little remains of the hanger. I'll snap some pictures tomorrow, it's pretty bad.

So, I've done some googling on these hangers, what exactly do I need? The rear shackles are very new looks like the previous owner replaced them, so I just need the new front bracket and new bushing, right?

brinker88 · #7 01-03-2012, 05:31 AM

You dont always need a bushing but its a good idea to get one. They're a PITA to change though.

Hangers are simple though. Just grind the rivets off the hanger and bolt the new one back on.

erik95xlt · #8 01-03-2012, 08:00 PM

Well, finally figured out how to post pictures.

Here's my passenger side leaf spring hanger:

And the driver's side one can't be cut off without removing the tank, right? So should I just take the bed off or put it up on the lift?

brinker88 · #9 01-04-2012, 05:32 AM

Dude, you need a leaf spring too

erik95xlt · #10 01-04-2012, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brinker88

Dude, you need a leaf spring too

Yeah I figured. Just one spring? Junkyard or new?

This truck's becoming an enormous money pit...

brinker88 · #11 01-05-2012, 05:30 AM

If you can, go buy just the main spring at a JY

erik95xlt · #12 01-12-2012, 03:21 PM

does anyone know what year leaf springs will fit on my 95? I'm going to call around at junkyards just wanted to know which years are compatible with mine