• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

Service/Parts Recommendations


MastuhWaffles

11/2014 OTOTM Winner
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2012-2015
Joined
Mar 14, 2013
Messages
1,855
Reaction score
76
Location
Texas
Vehicle Year
2007
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
31
My credo
I need more sleep.
Woah a post from me? Yes I am still alive and so is my truck! Even though I own a Hellcat now I still have my truck for daily commuting etc.
Well time goes fast and sure enough this damn thing is already 17 years old and I've had it since I was 16. And yet, it still only has 153k miles on it. The body is kinda getting rough but someday it will all be fiberglass anyways.
I am planning on taking it on a trip to Colorado so I figured it was a time to kinda do a thorough inspection and see what's going on.

So I do regular service on it, oil changes etc so overall it still runs amazing and gets me to where I need to go.
Some things I've already done, I changed all the ATF fluid in the transmission and new filter, I've done spark plugs belt etc, finally got around and serviced the AC system with some new cool juice, I've also put new caster bolts in as well. All the fluids still look good and it has newer coolant from when my thermostat housing exploded. The batterys got probably another year left before the Texas heat nukes it.
However it appears the front end is in need of new parts (again). Both boots on the upper control arms are toaster strudel, I have replaced them in the past but as a poor CFI I just used some ebayesium ones and you know what they did the job for the time. Same goes for the tie rod ends, they are the ebay special and cooked as well. The sway bar end link bushings are also crispy so its time for new end links too.

Being that I can actually put some better kit on it, any brand or recommendations for some of this stuff? I've seen a Moog kit that has most of what I need. Any other service recommendations just based on age alone I should look at?
 


Uncle Gump

Boomers gotta Boom
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
TRS 25th Anniversary
Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Messages
15,003
Reaction score
15,370
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
Hydraulic timing chain tensioners would be on the top of my list.

I looked for motorcraft lower control arms recently. The ones I found on ebay just gave me a bad feeling and passed. I settled in on Moog. According to the description... they're made in the USA.
 

Uncle Gump

Boomers gotta Boom
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
TRS 25th Anniversary
Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Messages
15,003
Reaction score
15,370
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
Look for the motorcraft tensioners... they're out there. I just bought a pair for my truck.

There are many companies offering these... but I'm not trusting a cheap knock off.
 

MastuhWaffles

11/2014 OTOTM Winner
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2012-2015
Joined
Mar 14, 2013
Messages
1,855
Reaction score
76
Location
Texas
Vehicle Year
2007
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
31
My credo
I need more sleep.
Hydraulic timing chain tensioners would be on the top of my list.

I looked for motorcraft lower control arms recently. The ones I found on ebay just gave me a bad feeling and passed. I settled in on Moog. According to the description... they're made in the USA.
I assume that's a big job? I can probably read on it in the tech library.
 

Uncle Gump

Boomers gotta Boom
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
TRS 25th Anniversary
Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Messages
15,003
Reaction score
15,370
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
It's not bad... passenger side is easy.
 

lil_Blue_Ford

Cut & Weld
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
V8 Engine Swap
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
TRS 25th Anniversary
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
9,186
Reaction score
7,669
Location
Butler, PA, USSA
Vehicle Year
00
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0l
Transmission
Automatic
Total Drop
4”
Tensioners aren’t terrible. I did them on mom’s 02 Explorer. Other than a mishap when I was priming them where I launched a spray of oil in a 20’ diameter circle, including soaking myself and spraying my dad who was assisting.
 

MastuhWaffles

11/2014 OTOTM Winner
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2012-2015
Joined
Mar 14, 2013
Messages
1,855
Reaction score
76
Location
Texas
Vehicle Year
2007
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
31
My credo
I need more sleep.
Tensioners aren’t terrible. I did them on mom’s 02 Explorer. Other than a mishap when I was priming them where I launched a spray of oil in a 20’ diameter circle, including soaking myself and spraying my dad who was assisting.
Ill look into it, probably a good job when I get back from my colorado trip, though suspension is going to be critical first.
 

MastuhWaffles

11/2014 OTOTM Winner
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2012-2015
Joined
Mar 14, 2013
Messages
1,855
Reaction score
76
Location
Texas
Vehicle Year
2007
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
31
My credo
I need more sleep.
I went ahead and ordered the Moog kit, lower ball joints, upper control arms, sway bar end links and tie rod ends.
 

MastuhWaffles

11/2014 OTOTM Winner
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2012-2015
Joined
Mar 14, 2013
Messages
1,855
Reaction score
76
Location
Texas
Vehicle Year
2007
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
31
My credo
I need more sleep.
Went over to my parents dad and I changed it all out. Alignments kinda wonky but I was able to drive home and get the suspension settled in so hopefully when I get an alignment its all good.
 

MastuhWaffles

11/2014 OTOTM Winner
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2012-2015
Joined
Mar 14, 2013
Messages
1,855
Reaction score
76
Location
Texas
Vehicle Year
2007
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
31
My credo
I need more sleep.
So it did the drive to colorado and back just fine. I got it aligned and apparently I need new caster bolts? I didn't even think that was a think but he said the bolts holding in the lower control arm do caster and need to be replaced. I'm a little confused and I tried to look for them and I can't find those.

I also will probably do new shocks its about time to replace them.

In colorado a rat got into my truck under the bed and the dogs went crazy and broke the axle vent tube and snapped the ABS wire to the rear axle so that had to be spliced back together.
 

MaicoDoug

Well-Known Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Sep 13, 2020
Messages
589
Reaction score
469
Location
Texas
Vehicle Year
2007
Make / Model
Ranger FX4 LVL2
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
2 inches in the back, not enough in the front
Tire Size
32x11.5x15
The caster is adjusted and held by the upper A arm bolts. Can't help with the rat problem, sounds like Denver??

MOOG has what you need
1726576753893.png

1726576846010.png
 

Uncle Gump

Boomers gotta Boom
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
TRS 25th Anniversary
Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Messages
15,003
Reaction score
15,370
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
I bought Moog bolts on Amazon...

MOOG K80065 Alignment Caster / Camber Kit for Ford Ranger https://a.co/d/ewkY5Jm
 

pjtoledo

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Oct 5, 2007
Messages
5,870
Reaction score
3,550
Location
Toledo Ohio
Vehicle Year
20002005199
Make / Model
Fords
Engine Size
3.0 2.3
my 2005 2wd has an elongated hole for the driver side lower control arm, forward position. it's from the factory that way.
there is nothing special about that bolt.
don't remember if the pass side had the adjustment hole.
 

MaicoDoug

Well-Known Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Sep 13, 2020
Messages
589
Reaction score
469
Location
Texas
Vehicle Year
2007
Make / Model
Ranger FX4 LVL2
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
2 inches in the back, not enough in the front
Tire Size
32x11.5x15
I put some 4wd adjusters in my 1983 2wd long bed 5sp just to enjoy the 2 degrees negative camber on high speed turns with high speed "V" rated tires. This was when pick up truck racing was brand new and me with 8" wide 15s black wheels. Used to give Porsches a hard time on Hwy 9 on the way to the coast. Dang that stock 2.8 was really fast. That's when I first fell in love with my Ranger. Yes it was RED! I'll have to post a picture if I can find one.
 

MastuhWaffles

11/2014 OTOTM Winner
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2012-2015
Joined
Mar 14, 2013
Messages
1,855
Reaction score
76
Location
Texas
Vehicle Year
2007
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
31
My credo
I need more sleep.

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Members online

Today's birthdays

TRS Events

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Rick W
October Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

25th Anniversary Merch

Follow TRS On Instagram

25th Anniversary Sponsors

TRS-3 Ford Ranger Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top