IFS Coil Spring Suspension - Upper Ball Joint Removable?

[jbrad4ou]

I’m trying to figure out if the upper ball joints are removable from the control arm on my 99 ranger (my specs are at the bottom). Most literature tells me that If I have a coil spring = yes, torsion bar = no. I determined that I have a coil spring suspension (no torsion bars and coils present); however my upper ball joints have a control arm. The diagrams I found for the coil spring suspension show I’m not supposed to have control bars. I did some extensive searching and finally found a diagram for my specific suspension (see below). It’s listed as an ISF coil spring suspension. Do you think the upper ball joint/control arm are the same as the torsion bar suspension? If that’s the case I guess I can assume I have to replace the whole control arm/upper ball joint. Thanks in advance!


IFS Coil Spring Front Suspension - Ford Ranger by jbrad4ou, on Flickr

 

[06RangerXLT]

no. UCA and ball joint are one part.

 

[jbrad4ou]

no. UCA and ball joint are one part.

thanks for the reply. It's much appreciated. With that knowledge I must now find the right control arms. My autoparts store has an "adjustable" control arm and a standard. Is either of these preferred over the other? Also, is there a difference between the left and right side control arm or are the interchangeable?

BTW, I've read where people say they were able to remove and replace just the ball joint with the control arm setup. I'm wondering if they are using some hardcore press to get it out?

 

[FlyinRyan]

They *are* removable. You have to have a hydraulic press and the proper cups/sockets.

You do have to remove the control arm too, but you can press a new one in with a grease fitting.

I had a local shop do it for me.