2001 Ranger Lower Ball Joints

[Wibb]

Hey all, even though it appears I am new here I am not. For some reason my account keeps getting deleted and I have to reregister. Anyway, I am curious if anyone has done the lower ball joints on a 2001 Ranger XLT 4x4 OR. Can these be pressed out or do I have to get the entire lower control arm and replace it? The FORD service manual says it cannot be pressed but the parts stores keep saying they can. I am here hoping someone has already done this and can answer the question. I don't have a picture but found a picture of the spindle and control arm in another post. Hopefully that gentleman doesn't have a problem with me using his picture. Looking at the picture and the actual ball joint there are ridges on top and bottom of the ball joint that "appear" to make it not be pressable. Hopefully someone that has done this can help me out with the right answer.

Thanks! Curt

PS: Nothing is broke on my truck, I was using the picture to show the ridges on the top of the lower ball joint. If the guy whose pic this is wants me to remove it let me know.

 

[Green4.0]

I realize this is an old post, and has been probably answered somehow already, but here goes.
There is a snap ring that needs to be removed, and then the lower ball joint can be pressed out using a removal/installation press tool.
They have been known to come out with a hammer, but this sometimes shears the bore in the lower control arm. This can cause a loose fit. It doesn't always happen, and I'm sure it's been done that way by quite a few people.
Also remember that to check the ball joints on IFS, you don't lift by the lower control arm. It needs to hang free.
Begin with a helper if need be, and pull hard in and out on the top of the tire for the upper, and the bottom of the tire for the lower. What you're looking/feeling for is movement. I believe the max allowable is 1/32 inches, but don't quote me on that one........it's been a while.