86' DJM I-Beam Ball Joint Question

[Railer150]

Im about to install the DJM dream beams on my 2wd 1986 Ford Ranger and was wondering if the ball joints were actually pressed into the spindle or pressed into the beam

 

[martin]

If you have the beams you should be able to tell by looking at them.

 

[snoranger]

83-88... in the beams.
89+... in the knuckles.

 

[bigray_18]

Yeah, I found that info out the hard way and now I have an extra set of 83-88 beams. I've got a few good pics up so you can make sure yours look like what I have.

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/pts/3589201737.html

 

[Insanejughead]

Even if your beams don't have the balljoints in them, you can still use those beams in your ranger. Both sets of I-beams can be used in any year of I-beam Ranger, but ONLY if you prepare the right parts.

For example, I used '83-'88 beams in my '94 ranger. If you're curious as to how, just let me know.

 

[JoshT]

Just swapped the spindle as well. With the exception of the ball joints (and some sway bar stuff) the entire front suspension was practically identical up until the brakes changed in 95. In 95 the calipers changed from a single piston pin mount to a dual piston bolt on style. From what I can see the wheel bearings also changed at that time, though I'm not sure if it was caused by the spindle or the rotor.

 

[Railer150]

Thanks guys,

Just got the beams and i have to press them into the beam, kind of a pain but oh well

 

[Insanejughead]

Nah, they're easy. Especially if they're new, which yours are.


I rented a tool from O'reillys and it made pressing balljoints a breeze.