Center Link, Outer Tie rod, and ball joints.

[avenger]

My steering has been real loose..and i had my buddy check it out..since i dont know much about steering...i know how it works but have never worked on it...center link right outer tie rod and right side upper and lower ball joint...He is busy working all the time and hasnt had the time to help..how hard is it to do these things on your own? The hardest thing i have done so far is drum brakes..and they were exciting, but not very difficult..just interesting...I have all the parts already..and i just need to know what all is involved...I have a 91 2wd ranger 2.3...

 

[Earl43P]

You'll need a pickle fork and a hammer.
If you remove the outer tie rod bolts, then the center link from the pitman arm, it'll all come out in one piece, letting you match up the new parts to the same lengths, mimizing the amount of adjustment needed when you finish up and take it to get aligned.

If you do it with the wheels still on the ground and don't turn the steering wheel at all, it should all go back in close enough to drive it to the alignment shop.

This is not difficult work, but you have to wail on it to seperate the cotter pinned joints.

Might as well do the left OTR and ball joints too so you'll have all new front end parts. Parts aren't that much.

The ball joints...best bet is to rent the tool from an auto parts store and follow this: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/balljoints2.htm

 

[avenger]

I may be crazy..but are those pics a 4WD? If so..what is different in the 2WD configuration...

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

I may be crazy..but are those pics a 4WD? If so..what is different in the 2WD configuration...

A lot less shit to take apart.

You don't even need to take the brake rotors/wheel bearings off. Just take off the calipers and knock the complete knuckle off of the truck, replace balljoints and reinstall.

 

[avenger]

Sounds pretty straight forward...thanks

 

[avenger]

The deed is done...wasnt terrible..but wasnt fun either...It drives straight..doesnt pull to one side or anything...we measured the centerlink and old tie rod together and make it exact..works fine

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Holy crap are you ever quick! 41 minutes including posting....Wanna work for me?
PS I know its a fairly old thread.

Richard

 

[Earl43P]

Goofball!

AM and PM pwned you.