upper and lower ball joint replacement

[INit4ZfunOFit]

I had a front end alignment done on my 98 ranger 4x4 the other day and was advised I need upper and lower ball joints and i think he also said torsion rods. but not sure on the torsion rods without obtaining the estimate which i left at work. I just found this site literally an hour ago and thought id see if i could get some insight on these repairs without knowing exactly for sure what the estimate states needs repaired. Anyway, to replace the ball joints and torsion rods the estimate for parts and labor is almost 600.00. Now, this is my question..Although I have never repaired my suspension or replaced any component of it before I have always done most of my own repairs in the past and am quite capable. Is this something I should leave to a certified mechanic for any reason or is it something that i should be able to do myself? of course i would have a professional re align it when i was finished but is there something about replacing the parts that also require a professional?

 

[95rangerboy]

I have a 1995 Ranger 4x4 I had a professional do the work seeing that my upper and lower ball joints were pressed in. I payed about 800 for the work plus alignment and a he also replaced my outer universal joints and bearings. I dont know about how 98's work but if you can do it go for it but if not definately let someone who knows do the work.

 

[metalmacguyver]

This is definately something that you could tackle yourself. Most autoparts stores have loaner tool programs where you can get the balljoint installer tool. A Chilton or Haynes manual would also be a very good investment for you.

I dont know why you would need new torsion bars..... You shouldnt unless your truck is so rusty that they have been compromised in which case you probably have other things to worry about first.

A second opinion on the torsion bars from another mechanic couldnt hurt.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Get yourself some new upper control arms (can't just replace the ball joint, the entire arm has to be replaced), 4 camber/caster eccentrics, and the lower balljoints. Rent the ball joint press from a local autoparts store and grab a haynes manual if your still not sure. Then take it in for an alignment.

 

[INit4ZfunOFit]

Yeah i was probably wrong about the torsion bars because it seems like the other thing that he said needed replacement would be something that typically you would expect would be needing replaced at the same time as the ball joints. As for there being rust present there isnt any rust anywhere on the entire truck so thats not an issue. Anyway, It sounds like I have my answer and I appreciate the input from you guys. I think ill get a Haynes manual, which i should already have anyway, and get started. Thanks again

 

[rangerT]

yeah go for it...i just did mine 2 days ago and it wasn't bad at all...definately get the tool for taking out the lower ball joint as they are really stubborn to get out...and a must for the camber plates too as i didn't get a set and in order to do the wheel align. they need them as the camber is going to be slightly diff. from the stock ones.

i also found that with the lower ball joints with grease fittings if i threaded the nipples in first, then removed them, then installed the ball joint and then installed nipple it was alot easier to thread them in as i found it tuff to get the nipple started before as there wasn't much room to work with it in place....or mybe it was just me....GL

 

[INit4ZfunOFit]

In case any of you guys are still checking this thread i can report that the other thing that needs to be replaced isnt the torsion bars that I had thought but its the Tie Rods. Oh and any suggestions on where I should get the parts and how much I can expect to pay for them? Thanks again for your input. Im really glad i heard about this web site. Ill be on here a lot i suspect.