I have a 1998 Ranger XLT 2WD, Rear ABS, coil spring susp. I am having trouble locating a right control arm for the vehicle, is it identical to the left (they are both the wishbone style)? It looks the same, but before I commit I need confirmation it is identical, it will save me a lot of money if it is, because most auto part websites have them listed with different part numbers. Thanks for the advice folks.

 

Left and right are mirror images of each other so they are not interchangeable. This is true of both the upper and the lower control arms on your truck.

 

Great information, thanks

 

I had both my upper control/ball joints replaced, with alignment the bill was 303.32. i have no idea if they are adjustable or not.

 

Glad i don't have Control arms.
I-beams and spindles FTW!

 

Two questions for you guys - How hard are the control arms to remove and replace? Are there any special tools needed?

 

I just did it myself, so long as you get the right parts it is pretty easy. There are many different parts for the same car, depending on 4x4, ABS, coil suspension etc. Anyway, just rent a ball joint press and ball joint seperator from an auto parts store and you are set. Check out this link (ignore the part about popping out the upper ball joint, it is not worth it, just replace the whole arm!)

00 Ford Ranger Ball Joint ReplacementFord Ranger Ball Joint Replace

 

My 04 has the normal no adjustable arms on both sides. What diffrence and whats better? I plan on doing the moog when mine go.

 

I plan on ordering the Moog part with the ball joint and control arm. It doesn't already come pressed together? Or are you suggesting the ball joint separator for the bottom ball joint? I won't be changing those out.

 

The upper control arm has the ball joint pressed in and ready to go, you just swap out the control arms. The lower control arm must be pressed out (you might be able to use a hammer, but the press makes it easy) and there is no way to get the lower ball joint back in without a ball joint press. Also, the ball joint seperator is a key tool in doing just that, seperating the lower ball joint from the lower control arm. While you are down there, not a bad time to check other suspension parts and even doing the rotors/wheel bearings (that's what I did) as you have to get an allignment after you do any suspension work. By the way, do the rotors last, if you decide to do them.

 

If you replace it with a 1 piece you may have to get a kit so the caster can be adjusted. I just went through this with 1 1999 4x4, went with 1 piece arm and took off 2 piece now it drifts to the right because they cant get enough caster in it.

 

you replace it with a 1 piece you may have to get a kit so the caster can be adjusted. I just went through this with 1 1999 4x4, went with 1 piece arm and took off 2 piece now it drifts to the right because they cant get enough caster in it.

 

I went to Les Schwab's to get an alignment on my 2000 Ranger and found out only 3 hours later after just sitting around waiting that they weren't able to alighn my truck because it didn't have factory adjustable camber bolt. So that might be why they couldn't do it.?