Hello,
I know this has been discussed many times before but I would like some clear answers on my ?s if you guys can help me out. I know I need ball joints on my ranger, I have a 01 4x4 edge with about 50k on it and is I am unable to get it aligned because of this according to my dealer. Is replacing them a pretty easy thing to do? Do I need a repair manual or is this a cut and dry sort of thing? Should I do both the upper and lower joints? I need a press to do the lower joints correct? Is there anything else I should be replacing at this point that is prone to the same wear while im going my balljoints? Is there any how-tos on how to do this out there that I should be looking at.

Sorry if im clueless Im a newbie here

Thanks
-Spencer

 

Lower Joints need to be pressed In/Out, although people have found other ways to do it. The retal tool from Autozone works quite well.

Upper joints are not replaceable. You need to replace the arm for them.

I'm sure others will add more usefull info later..

 

I used the rental ("retal", Jason?...) tool from autozone and it worked great. I think I posted on this somewhere already.

Do you need upper or lowers?

 

when we (mostly rob) put my lift on we put new lowers in.

with the truck on stands, we put the ball joint in the hole and then used a floor jack to press up on the joint, then hit the lower arm and it worked fine

 

First of all, welcome to the forum! N3ELZ did a great write-up on changing his ball-joints a little while ago. Try using the search feature to find it. You'll have a few more things to think about because you're a 4x4, but pretty much just don't let your CVs over-extend themselves and you'll be ok. If you can find his write-up and still have questions, let us know. Always happy to help!

 

I need lower joints, but I am wondering if the lowers are bad shouldnt I just replace the uppers too?

 

Bah.. its been a long time since spelling in elementary school.. I'm lost without spell check.. and it was early.. sorta.. shut up.. lol..

 

If it aint broke, dont fix it.

Seriously though, the uppers are much easier to replace than the lowers. Wouldn't worry about them unless they need to be fixed.

 

Thanks guys!

 

So I need a workshop manual for all the torque specs?

 

Thanks much! On another note Already bought the moog lowers though from rockauto, would of just ordered up the NAPA had I knew they were better.

 

Thanks again 2+1

 

I'd also suggest some red (?) loc-tite on the drive axle nut. I think it's the red, but it's the permanent stuff. It's got a crush-nut on there to keep it from coming loose, but once you take it off, you've got to loc-tite it or you risk it coming loose.

Also, to get that drive axle nut off, rent a 32mm or 34mm axle nut socket from autozone too. That's a BIG socket, and probably one you don't have (I know I didnt.) Sorry I can't remember all the exact details, but they're free to rent so you can get them both with no extra charge or anything.

That's all I can think of now, but if I remember anymore I'll be sure to let you know.

 

Damn this isnt a easy job

My uppers were toasted, bought some at pep boys, they dont fit right, have to get some moogs.

Also my sway bar link nut was cracked off and off the sway bar