I just picked up a 1998 Ranger with the 3.0L V6 and the steering knuckle at the joint has a rubber boot that is split open and looks like it needs to be replaced. Called Ford and they said they thought it was a aftermarket boot that someone installed. They also said that according to the manual there is no boot at the knuckle it is just open to the dirt and air. Just wanted to know if this joint is suppose to be covered with some sort of rubber boot.

 

Mine has a boot on it _ not sure what the Ford dealer is getting at.
None have grease nipples anymore, so there has to be a way to keep the grease in and the dirt out.
There should be a boot.

Looks like the boot is available separately, which is surprising, usually you have to get the whole knuckle joint if just the boot is shot.
My boots are split as well, so I'm glad I found your post.

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/f...end+boot,10659

EDIT:
Here's the link to the actual tie rod ends, they all have boots, even the Ford ones...

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/f...e+rod+end,7428

 

Jeff, I was not able to find the rubber boot that goes on the steering knuckle from the link you sent me. Do you have the part number from Rockauto. I would say that all you have to do is take the one bolt out on the steering rod up closer to the fire wall and slip it on right.

 

Energy Suspension Parts: Ranger, ford ranger 2wd 1998 coil

I just Googled Energy Suspension and plugged in your truck specs.

 

Is it called a front steering gear bellow. I was confused because when I looked it up it said it will fit either side so I thought this is not the right boot for the steering knuckle.

 

On my 2006 Ford Ranger, 2.3 liter this shows the Moog K8834 Rack & Pinion Bellows that fits nicely over the steering knuckle.
This Moog K8834 Rack & Pinion Bellows was found after a creative search by my mechanic -- trial and error on several sizes until one found that fit. There was no made for Ford boot to be found, after market or dealer. The Ford dealer would only sell the entire steering knuckle assembly with a boot, but only my boot was split and I needed it greased and re-covered to protect it. My mechanic removed and bench-tested the knuckle assembly for problems; none found. This bellows is obviously not manufactured for this purpose, but I think it is a problem solved. It even is a bit less bulky than the original boot that split. My mechanic packed the knuckle with grease, installed the Moog bellows over it, and I am happy. I hope this information is helpful to my Ford Ranger-loving friends.

 

Dudeme, Thanks for the info. I guess this will fit 98 ranger as well. Did you get this from rock auto. Also this joint has to be packed with grease right. Is there any videos on how to.

 

Hi Gregoryb,

Just to be sure before you buy, you could find a 2006 Ford Ranger, or one close to that year, and measure it as compared to your 98 ranger to see about the fit. Or, maybe you could simply call a parts house and ask them to give you measurements of one. I know my mechanic measured a bunch from his supplier before he found one that fit. I don't know the identity of his supplier.

I did find one listed on Amazon.com -- link listed below, or you can just Google Moog K8834 Rack & Pinion Bellows and find one.

I did not install it, but I do know you pack it with grease and cover it with the bellows.


I hope this helps.

 

Hi Jeff,
Do you know of any videos on how to repack the steering gear knuckle. I wanted to do that before installing a new bellow.

 

You can search in YouTube using "How to grease joints with no grease fittings" or "squeaky ball joint" or other search terms to get some ideas about greasing parts. Bottom line, I think after seeing the parts on the bench, you should be able to figure out how to make sure the grease in in the right place for the parts that are in contact; then with the boot bellow installed over it to keep it clean, you should be good to go. Good luck!

 

As DudMe says, but if there is not a grease nipple, then they are meant to be replaced with new ones.
The ones with out the grease nipple are very inexpensive, it's not worth trying to grease the old ones, even more so if the boot has failed.

You can get better quality ones with a grease nipple, but they eventually fail too if the boot becomes compromised in any way.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...e+rod+end,7428

 

I called and talked to a Moog Tech about the front steering gear bellow and the guy told me that Part #K8834 is for the Inner tie rods and they don't have that part listed as a steering knuckle bellow. So don't know what to do. That is why it states will fit left or right.

 

Yes, as I said in my previous post, that Moog bellow is not made for the steering knuckle. Of course, a Moog tech is not going to approve use of their part on anything other than what it was manufactured and sold for. I have posted a picture of what it looks like installed on my 2006 Ford Ranger, and I am happy with this option my mechanic came up with. If you are not comfortable with that, I certainly respect your choice to take a different approach. Good luck.