Lower left ball joint replacement, 200 Ranger 4x4

[DarthTurducken]

I've got a '00 Ranger V6 Flex Fuel 4x4 and have needed to replace the front left ball joints but have been avoiding it like the plague. I've looked at different forum posts and videos and have a general idea of it, and a friend that can help who is more mechanically inclined.

The things is about 4-5 years ago I had a friend's mechanic replace the upper controls arm and shocks, but not the ball joints. If I do it now, do I need to replace the upper arm again or can I leave that? And is it okay to do the left side but leave the right for later? I'd like to squeeze some life out of the truck but don't want to spend a ton on it anymore if I don't have to.

Also Ford manuals say replace the torsion bars but several people in forums have said that's unnecessary. Is this true? Thanks.

 

[Earl43P]

They "say" that the UCAs outlast the LBJs, but it's up to you.
A lot of alignment places will check them for wear for no charge.

You'll need an alignment afterward, so you might as well replace both side LBJs at the same time to avoid tire wear. That way you pay for ONE alignment, not two.

You have a 2000, is it PVH Hubs or live axle?
Live axle is easier. You need a 32mm socket for the hub nut.
You also need to rent the 4WD Ball Joint removal tool.

 

[straycat]

Have somebody else do it for you if you do not know how. If your buddy can do this for you.....GREAT!! That will save some money. Add Moog ball joints (zerk fittings). They can be greased so that will last longer and they are better made then stock crap. Do both sides as EARL43P said so you ony need to pay for 1 alignment.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Greasable only lasts longer if you do in fact regrease it. Otherwise the greasable part is a liability for contamination if you don't keep putting good grease in it and make sure the zerk is ok.

For the most part sealed lasts better because nobody bothers to grease anymore.

 

[swynx]

Greasable only lasts longer if you do in fact regrease it. Otherwise the greasable part is a liability for contamination if you don't keep putting good grease in it and make sure the zerk is ok.

For the most part sealed lasts better because nobody bothers to grease anymore.

Story buy I have to ask. I have greasable raybestos bjs. How do I know when its full of grease when filling it up? I'm assuming grease will just squeeze out of everywhere when full.

Ball joints aren't hard. In face threw videos on YouTube. Press it out press it in. Unless there like my bjs where and you have to pound them in. But id do the whole truck.

 

[straycat]

Greasable only lasts longer if you do in fact regrease it. Otherwise the greasable part is a liability for contamination if you don't keep putting good grease in it and make sure the zerk is ok.

For the most part sealed lasts better because nobody bothers to grease anymore.

Good point for people for don't care about their rides. You greese them every oil change as I have done for so many years now!!!! lol

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Story buy I have to ask. I have greasable raybestos bjs. How do I know when its full of grease when filling it up? I'm assuming grease will just squeeze out of everywhere when full.

Ball joints aren't hard. In face threw videos on YouTube. Press it out press it in. Unless there like my bjs where and you have to pound them in. But id do the whole truck.

Probably just a couple pumps, too much may do more harm than good.

Everything I have still has the original sealed ball joints so I can't really say with much authority about how much is too much though. From experiance with other things too much exposed lube attracts dirt which is counterproductive.