How do you change a ball joint on a '93 through '97 Ford Ranger?

Answer 1

It depends on the year and whether it's 2WD or 4WDMy suggestion is to ask "How do you replace ball joints on a "Year, Make, Model"? And hopefully someone has answered the question for that specific vehicle and year. I have posted an answer on how to replace the ball joints on '93 through '97 Ford Rangers.

Some basic things about ball joints

In generic terms, there are some things that are common to all ball joints. Ball joints are usually either pressed in or bolted in place. The wheel, brake caliper and brake rotor may have to be removed in order to replace the ball joint. The tie rod may also have to be separated from the spindle. I have replaced ball joints where all you have to do is support part of the suspension, unbolt the ball joint, separate the ball joint from the spindle, and then bolt the new bolt joint in. But that was on a compact car that isn't very heavy. And how the manufacturer designed the front suspension will determine how difficult or easy it is to replace the ball joint. If the ball joint has to be pressed out of the control arm, then you will need a special tool called a "C-Frame assembly tool", or you will have to take the control arm to a shop and have the ball joint pressed out. I have beaten them out with a hammer and an impact socket. That not the "official", politically correct, and sanctioned safe way to do it, but it's worked for me and saved me money and time.

The ball joint will have to be separated from the spindle. Sometimes you need a ball joint separator to do that part of the job.