I need your guys's opinion here. On a couple of things that ive been noticing about my truck.

1. First thing, ive noticed on some very rare occasions that smoke guys out of my emergency light switch. Im not sure what causes it or how its triggered. Im concerned and thinking perhaps I should take this into the dealer to have them look at it. What do you think on that? Do I need to take it in? Im thinking about doing it.

2. Everytime I go over a speed bump theres a creeking noise coming from my front left tire. Im wondering if its my ball joints, bushings, shock (I think they're OE shocks), or perhaps it doesn't have enough lube. What do you think on that? Should I have the dealer look at this and fix it?

3. Also, Im wondering when abouts to do a radiator flush? Mileage wise. Im at 98k right now and I had major fluids changed at 93k. Also, where abouts in the tank should the fluid be up too? im starting to wonder if my radiator coolant is too low or just right? There is no line to indicate max or minimum on the container.

4. Okay last question. On my cb radio, my in line fuse plastic housing doesn't click together anymore. The plastic piece holding the two halfs together broke. Whats the best way to go about fixing this? Currently my CB wont work because the fuse is not connecting to the power wire. Should I get a new inline fuse or is there another way to go about fixing this?

 

1. Mine did that last year a lot, seemed to happen when I put the left turn signal on and braked. I haven't been able to get it to do it again recently. I remember seeing a post on here about a while ago.

2. Creaking is most likely a balljoint. My whole front end creaked when my balljoints were bad. I replaced the joints and tie rod ends and the noise went away.

3. Not sure sorry.

4. Just get a new inline fuse, it wont be much money.

 

What did the new balljoints and tie rod ends cost you if you dont mind me asking?

 

This is common on 99~2000 Rangers. Rumor has it that there is a service campaign for free replacement of the Multifunction Switch Assembly. Have your Ford dealer check your VIN to see if you qualify.

 

I can't really remember on the balljoints. I think the lowers were $35 a piece and tie rods were about the same. I got uppers with my fabtech arms. Look at yours and see if any of the boots are torn.

Maybe I'll have them check the multifunction switch when I go in for the cruise control recall.

www.rockauto.com is a good place to get moog greasable replacement balljoints and other parts.

 

Alright cool thanks Noah.

Yea I still havent gotten a chance to take it in. Possibly thursday, but i dont know yet.

 

ball joints and bishings, stick with Moog.. should run ya between 100-120

 

Question would the shock possibly also be the problem?

If I did need to replace the shock I was wondering do i need to get a new shock mount when i put in the new shock? or is it just the new shock that goes in and thats it..?

 

Well turns out the smoke was cause of the turn signal switch. Got that replaced and had them fix my tailgate.. at least they washed and cleaned the inside for me..

2 quick questions.

1. For balljoints does Ford have specific like Ford Motorcraft balljoints for replacements? Or can I get any balljoint for the most part and not have any problems?

2. On shocks im thinking of going with some Bilsteins. The newer ones, i think they're like the 5100 (silver and black ones now). Im wondering if anyone has these for their ranger and do they fit? How are they?

Also if you guys have any suggestions for shocks id love to hear them. i do some offroading but nothing really heavy. I haul the occasional load, but when i do its fairly heavy. So any suggestions or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

For balljoints go with moog, they are greasable and will last much longer than stock

I have bilstein 5100s and love them, they are for lifted vehicles though. The ride is apparently rougher than others but I'm not complaining since my stock shocks were blown for over a year. Definitely get a monotube shock.