Lower ball joint

[knucklePuck]

Hey all,

I posted this thread on another Ford forum. Just trying to use my resources and get some information. Working on my 1987 Ford Ranger 2.9L 6 cylinder, 4X4. Noticed my lower ball joint had a lot of play after replacing the wheel bearings. I am having a difficult time trying to get to the old ball joint. I read in my book I have to take apart my drive shaft. I saw a video online where this man pulled his drive shaft right through the middle of the knuckle. If you have any tips or experience with this, I would really appreciate it! Thank you.

In the pictures there is this inner shield that makes it hard to get to the shaft. I am wondering if I can pry this out to pull the drive shaft through the knuckle?

I found the forum for drive shafts. I will post there as well. I saw 2.9L and thought it was a general forum for 2.9s.

 

[RonD]

Yes you need to remove the Spindle, the part around the axle shaft, and yes it pries out but very hard to get it started.

Then axle can be removed thru center of 'knuckle'

Read here: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/balljoints2.shtml

Also get new u-joints for the front axles, not too expensive but as you see hard to get too if one should fail

 

[knucklePuck]

Thank you!

Thank you for your advice and the link! I really appreciate it and you are right about the U-joint...better get at it now! Thanks again