Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

What is this and how should i go about fixing it?

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Old 07-05-2006
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What is this and how should i go about fixing it?

So i was driving along the other day when my tire went flat. I pulled it over to the side of the road, planning on changing it when i realized i couldnt fit the jack underneath anything. At a closer glance i noticed that the part in the picture wasnt connected any more. After compairing it to the other side, i noticed that it was missing two rubber pieces and a bolt on top. It looks like it should be an easy fix, but was wondering what everyone else thought i should do. Take it to the shop? Fix it myself? Would it be that hard? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.



 
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Old 07-05-2006
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that's your sway bar, I think. looks like you need another rubber thing-o-mo-bobber and a bolt to hold it all together.
 
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Old 07-05-2006
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you can get completly new sway bar link at napa or the dealer, which is what you need.
 
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Old 07-05-2006
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Originally Posted by zabeard
you can get completly new sway bar link at napa or the dealer, which is what you need.
How much does that run? Couldnt i just get a couple pieces i need from a junk yard?
 
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Old 07-05-2006
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you could. idk how much the yrun 20-40 bucks i bet. my dads f150 did the same thing he just bought brand new ones.
 
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Old 07-05-2006
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Old 07-05-2006
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ya you need the new link! i had the same thing happen after i got my superlift on cause they forgot the nut on the top of the link but its not that hard you can do it yourself.
 
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Old 07-05-2006
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i bought new a new end link bushing kit for the f250, and i think it cost me like... $10 bucks...
 
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Old 07-05-2006
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I'm trying to figure out if it was like this before my tire blew out. If it was already like that, is it safe to drive it without it? (not that i'm planning on it)
 
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Old 07-05-2006
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it should be, it just reduces body roll so dont take turns at 80....
 
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Old 07-05-2006
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Yeah, thats why i asked because i thought i heard of people driving without the sway bar.
 
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Old 07-05-2006
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You will be okay. Actually, there are a lot of ranger owners out there that leave their sway-bar disconnected all the time, or even remove it completely. It allows for a bit more flex up front for off-road driving, but you do sacrifice some stability/rigidity for everyday use. It's not necessarily dangerous, just don't be stupid. If you want to fix it, you can still use it for a daily driver until you get the time/money to get around to it. The links aren't too expensive and it shouldn't take more than a few minutes. good luck!
 
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Old 07-05-2006
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Thanks guys!
 
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Old 07-06-2006
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I think I might still have the sway bar links off my old truck. I'll send em to ya for 15 bucks for the pair if I can find them.
 
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Old 07-06-2006
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weird, the nut for the bolt is under the lower control, so how does a bolt fall out the top?
 
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Old 07-06-2006
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Very easy, takes very little time
 
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Old 07-06-2006
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Damn man, you need some new tires!
 
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Old 07-06-2006
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Originally Posted by 034x4
Damn man, you need some new tires!
Damn, yeah ya do!
 
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Old 07-06-2006
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Originally Posted by 034x4
Damn man, you need some new tires!
haha, next week
 
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Old 07-06-2006
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do you really need the sway bars????????

i have both of mine broken jajejajejajejaje
 
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Old 07-06-2006
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Originally Posted by Gay-briel
weird, the nut for the bolt is under the lower control, so how does a bolt fall out the top?
When I picked up my little brothers pickup (now my Ranger) I went over it pretty well to look for anything that was loose. I was about to drive 1200 miles in an unknown vehicle that had had some major surgery done to it and not been treated well by it's previous owner (my brother).

Anyway, all was in good shape except the transmission crossmember that the tranny mounts to that is bolted to the frame. The nuts on both sides were at the end of the bolts and working themselves looser. Considering that he'd only driven it about 10,000 miles since the new engine, I figure that if I hadn't looked at it and tightened them up then somewhere along the way of the next 3,000 miles that I have put on it since I picked it up (Memorial Day) that my trans would have been laying on I-77 by this time.

Eek! It's just good practice look at all nuts and bolts anytime you are poking around your truck! If it's loose it is 99.9% probably not supposed to be. :)
 
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Old 07-06-2006
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13 bucks will fix your problem or go to a junkyard and 5$ and 20 min.D
 
  #23  
Old 07-06-2006
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I took the sway bar off when I lifted my truck. Youll be fine if you drive like a normal person.
 
  #24  
Old 07-06-2006
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I just took mine off(replaced with pieces from the RCD lift). Phil, you can have them.
 
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Old 07-08-2006
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Originally Posted by Ranger1
I just took mine off(replaced with pieces from the RCD lift). Phil, you can have them.
That would be cool, Thanks Ben! I have your number and i'll call you if i happen to be over that way. My mom lives in Bel Air.
 


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