2000 Ranger RWD 3.0L V6 with 144k
I need to get the upper & lower replaced because boots are gone and there is a clunk.

1) Upper control arm bushings are also cracked, so I believe the most appropriate approach is to replace the entire upper arm...Problem is that when I look, I am finding multiple part #'s over at Parts Geek...Is there somewhere that lists part numbers so I can be sure I get the right one?

2) Lower ball joint...plan to just replace ball joint only. Any brands to stay away from? I'm reading some only work with aftermarket arms...anyone know part #'s or link to one that will work with the factory lower arms so I can just press in/out? I have various ball joint removal tools, so I think I should be able to get it out.

 

I got my uppers at rockauto.com. Their descriptions are pretty good as to what fits what truck.

 

Just go with Moog can look up all the various parts available from rock Auto. Make sure to get caster and camber bolts to do the alignment afterwards.

 

You need to see if you have a one bar or two bar control arm system, thats one reason for multiple numbers.

 

I have a 98 ranger that I am installing new upper control arms with ball joint. I have read that the camber bolts/plates should be marked so they go back in the same way they come out. However, the drivers side angled plates are facing up and the passengers side is facing down, just the opposite of each other. Before I started this project it drove fine and the alignment seemed fine as well. So should I put them back in the same way. It seems as though all the video's I have seen both sides were facing up. Please HELP>>>>>>>> so I do not have to do all this work over.

 

Get caster and camber bolts that allow for much greater degree's in adjusting the alignment. Can be had for pretty cheap then just have it aligned at a good shop you trust to do the alignment, I didn't use the stock bolts.

 

Alex, Where did you get your camber bolts. I am guessing you get this as a kit right.

 

Yes I got the raybestos kit off of rock auto. Right around $20 dollars shipped. The alignment shop will thank you later.

 

I just installed a new upper control arm with new ball joints as well as lower ball joints. The steering knuckle is off on both sides and now I am trying to hook my steering knuckle up to the upper control arm and lower ball joint. When I installed the knuckle on the lower ball joint I had 3-4" I had to go to connect it to the upper control arm. So I put a jack under the lower control arm at the place you can put a bottle jack to move the knuckle up to the upper ball joint. It got close but still had to go another 2" or so. The truck was at a 30 degree angle and did not want to jack any more. Does your jack have to be in a specific spot to make the control arm move without the truck going with it.

 

Jack up right next to the lower ball joint without actually hitting it. Install on the lower first then do the upper. Once you get the upper in the spindle hole tap it gently with a maul to massage it into the joint then bolt it in.

 

do you still have the upper control arm bolts loose? You need to leave those loose at first when you attach the spindle.

 

I got it. Thank you. Is the rubber boot of the upper ball joint suppose to be touching the top of the knuckle where you put the pinch bolt

 

I put the camber kit into my upper ball joints and wanted to know if the square hole has to be in a particular spot for alignment

 

Make sure the camber bolts are loose and put a socket wrench in a square hole in the camber washers and rotate them until they feel in the middle. I think the squares corner pointing up /\ is in the middle. I believe it best to go get an alignment after.
I can't remember for sure if the boot touches but I don't think so. As long as the spindle is in there far enough to get the bolt in you are good.

 

when i replaced my uppers i bought Moog 1 piece arm and joint and after a year their holding up great.