Ball joints

[Brncgrn]

So all the video's I've seen online look very different then the suspension I have. So I'm not really sure how to tackle this job. Main point is I don't have a press or the ability to drop 100 bucks for one so I'm trying to attempt it with what I have on hand e.g; c clamps l, hammers. One thing I noted in thenl video's is everyone ones ball joints were inverted from how mine are .. not sure if that's due to the different construction but I could only assume they are intended to go in 1bway and can't be installed backwards?

 

[Brncgrn]

So do they press down for removal instead of up?

 

[mikkelstuff]

NAPA has free loner tools which may be what you need. I certainly used their ball joint installer for the lower ball joints in my 2002 Ranger.

 

[dvdswan]

Welcome to the site.

1995 ford ranger ball joint replacement - Google Search

 

[Eddo Rogue]

You don't need a press, just pressure...tools and elbow grease will do it, just not as fast or easy.

 

[Blmpkn]

You don't need a press, just pressure.

Here. Go try again, bet they'll slip right out.

 

[dvdswan]

 

[Blmpkn]

 

[dvdswan]

 

[oldgeek]

I replaced the ones in my 94 a couple years ago. I'm trying to remember, but I've slept since then and then there's climate change (everything going wrong can be blamed on climate change). I'm thinking the top hole holding the joint has a slit with a bolt to hold compress around the ball joint housing (or shaft, maybe). Loosen that, and remove the steering tie rod and the whole assembly should slip down. Getting them out with the press tools was a bugger, but patience is a virtue, so they say. It made me appreciate other vehicle's ball joints.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Get the BFH! (Big F'in Hammer)

 

[Shran]

Upper ball joint is pressed into the axle beam... lower is pressed into the knuckle. Ball joint orientation varies by vehicle, some are up, some are down. 4x4 trucks are opposite of your 4x2.

I would recommend renting a press from a parts store. You have to fork out some cash but you get it all back when you return the tool. There is no point in trying to do the job without it... you can definitely get the ball joints OUT without the tool but you will more than likely ruin the new ones if you try to install them without it unless you are very creative.

 

[oldgeek]

I borrowed a friends press kit. It was brand new. Well, not any more it isn't. I had to make some cups for it to fit the ball joints.

Without the press kit, it might have been possible to do the job, but I would absolutely hate the thought of trying without. It was difficult enough doing it with the press.

 

[rumblecloud]

You can remove them without a tool. Big hammer, lots of hammering. But you would be hard pressed - near impossible - to install them without the tool.
This is from experience like all the other posts.

 

[mikkelstuff]

Yes, first bought a relatively cheap press from Amazon. This simply would not do the job. Then I got the free rental press from NAPA and that press could take it! Then sold the Amazon press on Craigslist.