4 ball joints?

[master hec0]

im now buying a 1997 ranger 4x4 extended cab. it just inspected and needs a bit of work but the price is right. front bumper signal lights CEL/airbag light on.
steering wheel loose read brake drums/shoes front brake pads front wheel bearing and 4 ball joints.

now here is where im confused the sheet just says 4 ball joints how many ball joints are on this ranger? and from what i understand the upper ball joints cant be replaced the whole upper control arm needs to be replaced? is that correct for 4wd models also? 97 ranger 4x4 extended cab 3.0L v6 5 speed.

 

[straycat]

2 upper and two lower on my 2wd. My 4wd had 4 as well as I remember. Use only the Moog type with the Zerk fittings. They last longer and they can be greased with the fittings.

 

[master hec0]

what is a moog type?

and can i just replace the upper ball joint or does the control arm need to be replaced?

 

[master hec0]

double post

 

[Boggin]

define control arm? 97s still had the TTB..

 

[Stxrangerbumper]

2 upper and two lower on my 2wd. My 4wd had 4 as well as I remember. Use only the Moog type with the Zerk fittings. They last longer and they can be greased with the fittings.

grease nipple fittings all the ways

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/balljoints2.htm

 

[master hec0]

define control arm? 97s still had the TTB..

yeah i dont know much about the "modern" ranger. just whatever i get from the search engine since its still sitting in the yard till i pay it all.

but basically its the same suspension as my 1st gen b2? if so that makes it alot easier iv done all this before.

 

[Shran]

yeah i dont know much about the "modern" ranger. just whatever i get from the search engine since its still sitting in the yard till i pay it all.

but basically its the same suspension as my 1st gen b2? if so that makes it alot easier iv done all this before.

Yes, very similar to your 1st gen. Moog is a brand and they are about the best ones out there, but expensive.

 

[Mark_88]

I started insisting on the ones you can grease...but I've never actually greased them...had them installed about four years ago and haven't been driving the truck...

 

[adsm08]

Moog is a brand and they are about the best ones out there, but expensive.

Moog can't be that expensive. My boss will buy them for used cars and he is a cheap-skate.

But yes, Moog is a VERY good brand. All the NASCAR boys use them, and those cars take some abuse.

 

[4x4junkie]

Moog is a brand and they are about the best ones out there, but expensive.

But yes, Moog is a VERY good brand. All the NASCAR boys use them, and those cars take some abuse.

My Moog joints became loose (both of the lowers) after barely one year (hardly even 5000 miles).

Spicer on the other hand (now sold as Raybestos), they are still going strong after 8 years (I always buy the ones labeled "Professional Grade", which are hardly any more $$$ than the Moog).
Doubt I'll ever be buying another Moog balljoint again (plus, their grease boots split apart after 6 months). It seems whatever racers buy is not the same stuff sold to the public.

 

[master hec0]

also im in canada those professional ones are expensive. about 22$ for the standard ball joint and the professional ones cost 100$ and im told that is for each one.

 

[colby450xc]

1997 rangers 4x4s use the ttb suspension. There are 4 ball joints, there is not a control arm. If you have socket wrenches, a big phuckin hammer and a vice you can replace them yourself then get it aligned.

 

[Shran]

Moog can't be that expensive. My boss will buy them for used cars and he is a cheap-skate.

But yes, Moog is a VERY good brand. All the NASCAR boys use them, and those cars take some abuse.

I used Raybestos service grade... here are the price differences for my application (76 Bronco)

Raybestos lowers $10
Moog lowers $42

Raybestos uppers $12
Moog uppers $47

My Moog joints became loose (both of the lowers) after barely one year (hardly even 5000 miles).

Spicer on the other hand (now sold as Raybestos), they are still going strong after 8 years (I always buy the ones labeled "Professional Grade", which are hardly any more $$$ than the Moog).
Doubt I'll ever be buying another Moog balljoint again (plus, their grease boots split apart after 6 months). It seems whatever racers buy is not the same stuff sold to the public.

Interesting...that sucks! I have personally only used the Raybestos service grade ones...they are ultra cheap. I did a few joints for a buddy who bought all Moog - they looked like they were really high quality and I don't think he's had a problem yet. They are lifetime warranty too.

 

[goodie85]

Moog can't be that expensive. My boss will buy them for used cars and he is a cheap-skate.

But yes, Moog is a VERY good brand. All the NASCAR boys use them, and those cars take some abuse.

+2 thats all i run on all my dirt track cars as well a very good ball joint