A 1996 Ranger issue. I had the upper and lower ball joints replaced at a reputable tire store in the Pacific Northwest (Arlington, WA). The ball joints had been bad for a while, but I had not been driving it much so I waited a while to have them replaced.

When I got the truck back, I was shocked at how much the steering seemed to be less responsive. It seemed to want to steer towards the left. I took it back to the shop, they checked the alignment and said it was fine. I was insistent that it was a problem and so a different technician who said he took the ball joints apart and said that there was nothing wrong with them. Also, when I got the truck back the right read tire was under inflated by about 5 pounds of pressure, which seemed unusual given it was at a tire and alignment store.

I’m wondering whether there are any mechanics familiar with this issue. I don’t have a bunch of money to pour into a solution so I’m hopeful someone familiar with these trucks who might know of a possible explanation.

Any suggestions of what shop I might take it to for a second opinion and possible solution? Anything I can do towards an answer? I’d like to find a Ford alignment specialists if nothing else.

 

A 1996 Ranger issue. I had the upper and lower ball joints replaced at a reputable tire store in the Pacific Northwest (Arlington, WA). The ball joints had been bad for a while, but I had not been driving it much so I waited a while to have them replaced.

When I got the truck back, I was shocked at how much the steering seemed to be less responsive. It seemed to want to steer towards the left. I took it back to the shop, they checked the alignment and said it was fine. I was insistent that it was a problem and so a different technician who said he took the ball joints apart and said that there was nothing wrong with them. Also, when I got the truck back the right read tire was under inflated by about 5 pounds of pressure, which seemed unusual given it was at a tire and alignment store.

I’m wondering whether there are any mechanics familiar with this issue. I don’t have a bunch of money to pour into a solution so I’m hopeful someone familiar with these trucks who might know of a possible explanation.

Any suggestions of what shop I might take it to for a second opinion and possible solution? Anything I can do towards an answer? I’d like to find a Ford alignment specialists if nothing else.