Hello everyone!, My name is Richard, I live on a little Island on Canada's west coast, and I don't trust my ability to find a good/honest mechanic.
I have some mechanical ability from motorbikes, but I don't really know a lot about cars.

My 2007 Mazda/ Ranger 2300 is new to me and has a few obvious problems including a broken sway bar link.
It has 141 000km, or 90 000 miles - I intend to keep it for as long as possible

I have no knowledge of the status of the front end, but it doesn't look like any new parts have been added.

I have got it into my mind I just should replace all the front suspension parts (except spring & Shock) and have done with it - tie rod ends/upper wishbone, control arm with ball joint.
1) How stupid is this?
2) Are there parts that are known to wear out faster than others?

I hope this makes sense - thank you and safe travels

 

Richard, Yes suspension parts do wear. Bushings deteriorate, ball joints wear and some like your broken sway bar link. It is ambitious of you to replace everything but the springs and shocks but start slow and replace the broken sway bar link in pairs. Don't just replace the broken one but the one on the other side as well.

Start there and drive it to see how it feels and handles before you start replacing parts that may not need replacing at the mileage you have. Of course it is your truck and your prerogative to replace whatever you see fit.

If you do decide to rebuild the entire front end I suggest using genuine parts and finish with a front end alignment.

 

Thank you HT-08. I just think that is the only way to get piece of mind, as I don't have te skill to assess, or the knowledge of what can, or can't wait.
Today I (think I) checked the ball joints - By trying to see if there is play when I move the wheel on a vertical axis ( at the 6'oclock and 12) - it did move a tiny bit.
Getting an alignment is a great suggesstion. - Thank you HT-08

 

Your ability to find a good mechanic will extend to front end shops too.
Absolutely do the sway bar links first. They're straightforward and inexpensive when ordered online.
This is one case where genuine Ford parts deliver no additional value. Just don't buy cheap.
This is where RockAuto and other online sources shine. Good ones will be way cheaper than from a physical store.
These links are just washers and rubber rounds stacked on a shouldered bolt. It'll be a great intro task on your truck.
Gain familiarity with the parts. Wear eye protection.

Then drive it and feel it before refreshing parts needlessly. Remember, tires and plain old shocks can make noises and shakes. Get her on 4 balanced wheels first.