Well, I've searched and found no answer to my question. My 98 Ranger 2 WD with a supercab and 4.0 liter motor is in need of a front end rebuild. All the boots of the upper and lower ball joints are shot, the outer tie rods boots are shot as well and since there is no provision to grease these things, I figure it is time to just replace the upper and lower ball joints along with the outer tie rod ends with greasable units. My qustion is this, are the upper control arms ball joints that are on a tubular style arm, with no torsion bar, replaceable? I've gotten conflicting info from parts houses saying yes and no. The complete arms are expensive and it would sure be nice if I could only replace the ball joints themselves. I've seen on Rock Auto.com that it can be either, how would I know if I can? My truck is one of the first 98's that I ordered in Aug of 97 and took delivery of it Oct 2 or so of 97, if that makes any difference. Any help would be appreciated since I need to get this done soon before I have a failure which wouldn't be fun. Thanks.

 

You may be getting conflicting info because the Moog arms are built to have replaceable joints. But to my knowledge...even your coil sprung truck needs to entire upper arms replace, as the joint is built into the arm. Why did ford do this? Who the hell knows. lol. Another way to get more money to the dealership service department??

My suggestion...get moog upper arms, as the joints are replaceable should you ever need to replace joints in the future. Most joints the auto parts stores sell are all greasable units. Why would ford give you a truck that has NO greasable anything on it? Look above. lol.

 

I just replaced the upper ball joints on my '98.... you don't have to replace the whole arm. Just need a ball joint press to get them out, which you can rent from a parts store.

I did have to remove the entire upper arm in order to get the press on, wasn't quite enough room in there for the press.

Hope this helps...let me know if you got any other questions.