2000 Ford Ranger 4x4 Off-road Upper Control Arms

[xxhapa19]

Hello all,
New to this, so I would like to get your input. I recently pulled the trigger and bought a 2000 Ranger. This morning when I was checking my tires, I noticed I have 2 different control arms and would like to ask if this is normal? Or should I have some concerns.

 

[pjtoledo]

yes that is normal.
the pass side is intended to adjust caster.

that part is no longer available, it's been replaced with an arm like the driver side.
the 2 are not identical, distinct left & right parts.

 

[xxhapa19]

yes that is normal.
the pass side is intended to adjust caster.

that part is no longer available, it's been replaced with an arm like the driver side.
the 2 are not identical, distinct left & right parts.

i see, thinking of upgrading my entire suspension, this gives me a better idea as to what to buy. Than you for help

 

[pjtoledo]

upgrade eh? if you have 16" wheels you can install later 2004+ steering knuckles to get 12" brakes. there are some 15" that fit, requires specific shape to the rear of the wheel.
do you have live axles or PVC hubs? PCV hubs complicate the swap.

 

[xxhapa19]

I do have the 16” wheels.
About the live axels vs pvc hubs, I do not know the difference. I’m new to this 🫣

 

[pjtoledo]

if there is a big nut in the middle you have live axles, the front half-shafts are always turning with the wheels.
a big plastic thing in the middle of the front wheels means you have the Pulse-Vacuum-Modulated hubs. (or whatever they are properly called)
those allow the wheel to separate from the front half-shafts in 2 wheel drive mode.


a 2000 can have either, that model year started with PVM then switched to live near the end of that years production.

 

[xxhapa19]

This past weekend I removed my wheels and attached are the pictures of the hub

 

[scotts90ranger]

That would qualify as a big plastic thing in the middle of the wheel... , otherwise known as it has the PVH system, that's what the vacuum line going into the spindle is (last picture, upper of the two things near the rotor). I'm not sure what it takes to swap over but if you find a donor Explorer or Ranger without that it shouldn't be hard... The PVH system isn't known for it's reliability but it is usually the vacuum line that breaks I think...