Beginner Replacing Ball Joints

[Skyagusta]

First off, I am very new at auto maintenance. I recently bought a 1999 Ranger, 2WD 3.0L V6. The front tires have real bad camber wear, so I took it in to get aligned, and was told that the upper and lower ball joints needed replaced badly. They wanted $1100 to do it, which I won't be able to afford for many more months. So here are my questions for you fine people:

Being very new at auto maintenance, is this something that I could do myself, with the assistance of a Haynes Ranger manual?

If I were to do this myself, what tools do I need? All I have currently is a basic socket wrench set, 2 ton jack and jackstands.

I read in my Haynes manual that I couldn't simply replace the upper ball joints, that I would need to replace the entire upper control arm. However, some things I have seen on the internet seem to indicate that that is not necessary. Which is true?

Finally, if this isn't something I could do myself, could I get it done for a more reasonable price?

I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.
Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[rodriscoll]

If it is like my 4wd I think it pretty much is The lowers you need a ball joint press the uppers you have to replace the whole upper arm it is not that bad I have done both.

Where do you live I have the press and all the tools you would need.

 

[Skyagusta]

You're not a stalker are you? Ha. Ft Carson CO

Couldn't I take the lowers to a shop with a press and have them do it for me?

 

[rodriscoll]

A little to far I guess I am in Townsend MA.

 

[danger_ranger05]

chillton manuals are better and more informative than haynes.

 

[cajunman87]

this is the best website for changing ball joints on 98+ rangers
http://www.cfht.hawaii.edu/~grant/ranger/ball joint/install.html

 

[Skyagusta]

Awesome, that is really helpful, thanks.

 

[jax4bangin]

go on youtube and type in "replacing ball joints on a truck" this dude has a few clips that are very professional.. he does the work on like a 2002 f150 which looks identicle to the ranger set up.

 

[Earl43P]

Many AP stores have a tool loaner deal.

You "buy" the tool with your credit card and they credit that back to your card when you return the tool.

 

[modelageek]

I did my upper control arm. rotors pads and new wheel bearings this summer . took me about 3 hours.. if your upper control arm has a snap ring around the balljoint you should be able to just replace the balljoint. if you have to replace the control arms you will need to get an alignment immediately . you will want to at least replace the brake pads and maybe at a minimum pull of the rotors and regease the bearing. there are plenty of videos around shoing how to do it.

 

[billk2002]

Autozone, CSK/Oreilly and Advance Auto all rent a ball joint press for "free". You pay a deposit and get it back when you return the tool. It's not a bad job when you have the right tools and take your time.
Check out your other suspension parts before you do it, tie rod ends are easy to do while you're in there.