Ball joint installation varies from vehicle to vehicle. Ranger ball joints are pressed into the lower control arm, so you will need a ball joint press. Some auto parts stores have a free tool loaner program for specialty items like this ($100 deposit is typical). That's what I did to change mine.


Here is a ball joint how-to for a 4x4 F150 that is very similar to a 2003 Ranger 4x4.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/i...ll_Joints.html


Other helpful threads:

https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=29838

https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ad.php?t=22842

https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...d.php?p=268459

 

Uppers are easy. I never did them before and put Moogs on the uppers by myself in under 2 hours. The hardest part is getting the upper arm off and on the frame.

 

With the tires and wheels that you're running, you should probably stay away from the $20 ball joints. MOOG makes a heavier duty replacement with a grease fitting for about $40~45 each.

(MOOG K8695T)


MOOG also makes upgraded tie rod ends and heavier upper control arms w/replaceable ball joints.

 

yeah, the coil spring set up's are cheaper in terms of ball joints......the torsion bar set-up blows...well at least the upper ball joints being sold with the A arms. I paid $225 each for the uppers and $75 each for the lowers. Throw in an alignment, new rear brake kit, labour costs, and taxes.......$1200 Canadian pricing.

That wasn't a fun expense.

 

anyone have a photo of cast control arms with the joints built in? i keep getting told that i need the control arm and when i say mine are pressed they disagree... i looked at them and im 99% sure theyre pressed but i just want to see for sure...

 

Mine were pressed in.. the dealer even told me that i'd have to get new control arms, but they tried pressing them out and it worked!

 

hmm because the place im getting them done at said i need new arms to... and im dropping the truck off the night before so i cant really tell them to try and press them first... i have pics so ill let you guys decide...

::edit:: its because im getting MOOG ball joints, they need MOOG CAs to fit right they dont work in stock ones.. o well... 700 for all 4 and alignement isnt to bad

 

Um dude thats a ripoff..

Figure 200 for balljoints that can be pressed in, Moog balljoints can be pressed into stock arms for sure.

$700?

Hell I have $400 into my Brand new DJM Upper and lower control arms with greasble moog balljoints...

Just buy the 4/5 dropkit if you need to replace the balljoints since the kit comes with brand new balljoints already pressed into the arms.