Ball Joint

[backroad101]

Just bought a Ranger. It failed the safety inspection due to 3 bad ball joints.

This is a 1999 4wd Ranger with the 4.0L OHV

Am I correct in assuming this has the torsion bar front suspension as opposed to a coil spring setup?

I have called 2 places, told them I had the torsion setup and both places are telling me, for the uppers, you have to replace the whole control arm. Is this correct? Doesn't seem to go with what I have read on this board but, then again, the year of the trucks discussed wasn't clarified.

Thanks

 

[Yellowsplash]

Yes, you will have to replace the whole upper control arm unless it has already been replaced with a moog replacement control arm. If so, moogs are replaceable and can be pressed out. Others, including factory, are not, and the whole control arm must be replaced. Be sure to verify your passenger side is a 2-piece design before getting them as they can be had as both 1 or 2 piece, the most common being 2-piece. Lowers can be pressed out.

 

[backroad101]

So which are the best to buy with a good balance of economy and durability and which should I stay away from? I have mostly seen the tubular style on sites like Autozone, Orielly, etc, with a few stamped steel styles. What should I be looking for? The Moogs that can have just the replacable ball joints are not necesarily a priority for me if there is something cheaper and durable for what I am going to be using the truck for

That being said, this truck is not going to be used for any major off-roading. It was bought as a second vehicle to take to Home Depot, drive in bad weather, drive in the country, take camping, etc.

 

[srteach]

My truck is a 99 4.0 OHV engine truck.

I have replaced the upper ball joints. Mine were one piece on the left, and a more adjustable 2 piece on the right. Neither of the upper ball joints were replaceable except with the whole arm. Some replacement arms have replaceable ball joints.

Torsion suspension? Yes.
The best upper arms are solid heavy metal, not stamped.
You can replace them yourself (only hand tools are needed) and then get an alignment. That would save some money if you have the tools.

 

[backroad101]

Yes Torsion suspension

The ones I am looking at are the Master Pros from O'Rielly's or the Dorman's from Advance AutoParts. Thoughts?

Again, this truck is being used as a second vehicle for runs to Home Depot, driving in bad weather, driving to/in country, hauling stuff, camping, etc.

 

[caser876]

Where are you from? Im a NYS inspector and as far as i know off hand i cannot fail for loose ball joints, unless they are to the point where i feel they are unsafe and ready to fall apart. But i dunno any other states rules.

 

[backroad101]

I am in St Louis MO.

I took it to Cax-X because it was the closest place to my house. They told me I had excessive play in the 2 uppers and one of the lowers. I passed the emissions test.

I am going to take it somewhere else to get it inspected Saturday (dealership I take my Mazda6 to) and see if it passes. Then I can get it registered and take my time in doing the work myself

 

[backroad101]

So I took the truck somewhere else this morning and they passed me on the safety inspection. So either the first place was trying to get $1100 out of me or the second place just overlooked it. I am going to take it to the dealership I take my Mazda6 to and have them look it over since I trust them.

At least I have the truck registered now so can take my time doing the work myself if needed.

My question, with 2 upper and one lower balljoint with "excesive play", would it not affect the alignment and cause it to pull? It does drive straight but I do notice the tires do seem a little loud.

 

[Nhaz]

Do this check. Get a friend to rock the truck side to side. Lie down on the ground while hes doing this and watch the ball joints. You may even want to put your finger on one to feel it while hes rocking the truck. If you can feel or see ANY movement in the ball joint from the side to side action of the rocking. Thats too much play. Even if its like 1/64th of a inch movement.

The only motion the ball joint should do at all is rotation from the steering and bend action with the suspension.

Replace them as soon as you can. Take them seriously don't wait till the alignment is starting to bugger up or its rattling.

They can Pop right off and you'll be in the ditch. or worse.

 

[RandyRoaming]

Hi guys. I have a 2WD with rattling ball joints. I am reading around for advice. I am in the Middle East with military. Where can I get mail-order replacement parts and good advice before buying the (wrong!) parts? Inspecting the upper joints on my 2WD they appear to need the control arm assembly as well. That must require bushings too, no? Its a pain to be out of the USA but at least labor is cheap.