At almost 108k miles, I’m fixin’ to R & R the ball joints on my 2002 Ranger 2wd, 3.0, coil spring front suspension. The truck came with the 4700 GVWR option, somewhat heavier-duty than the standard payload on a Ranger. From viewing replacement parts and R & R how-to videos, it looks like the lower ball joint replacements are the same for my truck as for the standard payload Ranger. I am not sure, however, about the upper control arms. The upper arms on my truck are tubular steel, approximately 7/8” diameter and 3” circumference (part Nos. Q 0302 LH & Q 0282 RH). In browsing the Internet for aftermarket parts, I have not seen any replacement arms designated “heavy duty” or otherwise indicated to be different from standard duty parts, but the replacement arms in the images provided do not appear to be equivalent to those on my truck. I am looking at using Moog K 80054 & K80052 upper arms for replacements. My questions are: Is there a difference in ball joint replacement parts between my 2002 2wd 4700 GVWR Ranger w/front coil springs and an otherwise equivalent standard payload Ranger? Are the Moog K 80054 & K 80052 upper control arms I am considering equivalent to the upper arms I am replacing? Thanks for your help.

 

I have never heard off the HD payload but MOOG is a lot better than stock. Personally i dont like moog now they are being manufactured in china. I have Raybestos and they are great.