I have had no luck finding what size socket or wrench I need for those two bolts on the two ends of the control arm. They are pretty rusty, so I dont want to have the wrong tools. Are they 1 inch? The biggest I currently have is 13/16ths and it seems just a tad too small. I have a 3/8 10 inch long driver also.

So, if it is an inch, would I be better off buying a wrench for this job instead of a socket? Whenever I use a socket on a strong load like that they seem to twist so much I am worried about ruining the bolt or nut. Know what I mean?

Does anyone have a list of all the sizes we need for the Ranger? Even better, anyone know where to find a leaked copy of the tech manual that only Ford is supposed to have?

 

upper or lower? on the frame side or the knuckle side?

 

We could use some details on the truck your working on.....

 

Sorry,
It is a '99 sport 2wd with coil suspension. I bought a Moog upper control arm, passenger side. I just sprayed them down with PB Blaster so it will sit overnight. I am hoping that I can run to Sears and get some sockets tomorrow. I have a 3/8" drive Craftsman flex head ratchet, but I am wondering if I really need to upgrade to a 1/2" drive. I will need to get a pipe for the one I have I think.

I do plan on doing all the work I can for this truck. I have a small ratchet set but even the big ones don't have all that I need, so I am just buying stuff as I need it and tossing it all in a bag.

 

I'd go to Harbor Freight, or Northern Tool and pick up at least a half inch ratchet and socket set. And maybe a bigger set of three eighths sockets.

 

I did some thinking and realized that buying this things piecemeal is going to end up costing more than just buying a whole set with a whole bunch I will probably not need. So I have been thinking of this set:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...sName=View+All

or this (looks like just a steal box plus a few screw drivers):
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...sName=View+All

There are no Northern Tool store in my State (not on their store listing page). There is a Harbor Freight but it is kinda far to drive when Sears is just down the road.


So that issue is solved. Does anyone know where to get a hold of a pdf version of the tech service manual?
I have found this but it may not be legit:
1996 1997 1998 1999 FORD RANGER SERVICE REPAIR MANUAL : eBay Motors (item 130420525709 end time Aug-20-10 07:30:00 PDT)
and this appears to be exactly what I want, only not pdf.
LOT OF 2 1999 FORD RANGER DEALER SERVICE MANUALS - eBay (item 120609586952 end time Sep-14-10 1316 PDT)

These would be nice to have, but do I really need them we I have a forum to search through and ask for advice in?

 

Just remember, if your doing the upper control arms - you have to torque it down to 124 ft lbs, so you better have a decent torque wrench and a strong arm :-) I just did both of my upper control arms earlier in the week.. very very easy to swap out - jsut a chore getting them tightened up.. bruised my thumb doing it lol

 

Great, thanks! I tried finding directions for the Moog part, but all I come up with for websites is an aerospace company and some band. If I search for "moog auto parts" all I get is retail sites. Anyone know the actual site? Crap like that really frustrates me. How am I supposed to know what torques to use if the part does not come with directions! The arm only came with one bolt, and I don't know if I was supposed to get all 3 or just the short one. I wanted to replace the two chassis side ones while I had the chance. I cannot find the bolts on rockauto or anyone else. Does anyone know the part number for those or can I just run to a hardware store?

Thanks everyone!

 

Go to fastenal and get some grade 8 bolts in the same length and size and be fine.

 

Thanks guys.

Here is a good link for a 2000. I don't think mine comes with the adjustable bolts like his, but I really like seeing pictures.

Ford Ranger Ball Joint Replace

 

So the bolts are not special tapered ones then? Nice.

 

The bolt they supply is the tightening bolt where the ball joint is pushed into the rod end and you use a bolt to tighten it and sandwhich it in. You have to use the stock cam bolts that came with the truck because they are specifically designed to work in the little bucket where they are put - I wouldnt trust using a normal bolt in there as if anything tweaks, your alignment will go off.

 

I have not had the chance to look at it yet, but I did notice that they were cam bolts for the 2000 in that link I posted. I was hoping I would not have those on the 99. I just have to buy MOOG Part # K80065. I hate re-using rusty hardware. (that's what she said!)

I did end up buying the 260 piece Craftsman set (on sale for $200, was $300!). The Mrs. let me use the joint account as I told her I would need them for her car, too. I am a lucky man.