So 1997 Ranger replacing shocks, fun right, and as I'm getting the lower nut off it just snaps. Pictures attached can do a better job then I can of explaining where and in what way it broke. Really looking for advice on how to fix this so I can attach the last shock. Thinking of using chemical welder maybe, I don't know. The piece you see is apart of the frame.

 

Most people just cut the stud off and drill out the hole so they can use a strong shoulder bolt. I believe Dorman sells a universal shock mounting bolt for this purpose. You definitely want to use the strongest bolt you can find. Welding the new bolt/stud into the radius arm would be your best option.

Do a search on Google images for "ford ranger broken front shock bolt" so you can see what other people have done to fix this issue.

 

My 98 has Tbars, but isn't it part of the lower control arm? Could just replace the whole arm unless you can weld a new one on?

 

The problem with swapping out the radius arm is that the new (used) one will probably do the same thing. These have a high failure rate unfortunately.

 

Gotcha. Hopefully I won't encounter this when I change shocks on my 98 next weekend. I've got almost 100k on my current Ranchos.

 

Your truck has a different shock setup, they are not prone to failure like the older trucks were. The worst thing that can happen on a torsion bar Ranger is that the rear control arm mounts tend to flex. If you measure the distance between the rear control arm bolts on ten different Rangers, they all will have different measurements.

Pictures of custom made brace:

https://www.ranger-forums.com/suspen...ackets-147589/

 

Thanks for the info. I'm actually thinking of replacing the lower control arms next spring. Current ones are pretty rusty and I'm not sure how the Tbars are even holding. We use alot of salt in Maryland.

 

Thank you I'm gonna end up doing that.