Why is it so hard finding parts for 3.0 Flex fuel rangers!?

[91stranger]

So I run into this issue all the time. I search Ebay for the parts I need, select my truck (3.0 with flex fuel) and it changes to "This part is not compatible" even though they look correct and aren't even related to the fuel system. I am trying to find ball joints or a ball joint kit for my truck and can't find what I need. I'm sure the local parts store has it for double the price for half as many parts. I can get a complete kit on ebay for less than $100 and that includes all the ball joints, tie rods, control arms, stabilizers, etc but it says it does not fit b/c its the flex fuel ranger. Anyone run into this issue and know how to get around it AND get the correct parts. I don't care for name brand parts for the most part since with how rusty this truck is it may last a year or 10 years. My luck is if I spend good money to get it done then someone will t bone me and the truck will be totaled. I remember in the past someone saying they had issues getting ball joints for their 98 or 99 ranger due to the one side being different or something. Anyone got advice on this?

 

[fastpakr]

I'm not aware of any such differences outside of the engine/fuel system.

 

[Shran]

I'm also not aware of any differences. I'd be tempted to just order them and try it but make sure you can return them if they don't fit.

 

[RonD]

Yes, +1 ^^^

Depending on the year the only differences that mattered are the computer and fuel injector size for all years
Some earlier years also have a Fuel type sensor near the fuel filter, this was dropped in later years

Running E85 requires larger injectors and if you run larger injectors then computer needs to "know about it" so computer software is different than gas only

The head chambers were a differnt shape and size as well but turned out not to matter, many have swapped heads and whole engines around with no issues either way.
But use the SAME style heads on both banks, lol.

 

[91stranger]

That's what I was thinking too but normally I don't get that error message saying it wont fit. I think I am just going to wing it and get whatever looks like is on my truck. I believe mine has the upper ball joint as part of the control arm so I would have to replace the control arms as well. This ol girl is rusty and more than likely original hardware. I've done ball joints, tie rods, steering knuckles and what not but never a control arm. I figure as long as I can get a wrench in there or my impact then I'm golden. Also got a air chisel for stubborn ball joints lol. Luckily my boss will honor their alignment they did in October for when I get these replaced in the spring. I doubt I can get this done on my lunch break lol.

 

[Ranger850]

Yeah. I don't see why fuel type would matter for ball joints and suspension parts.

 

[pjtoledo]

original owner of a 2000 flex fuel here, never had a problem. seldom use Ebay though.

 

[pjtoledo]

So I run into this issue all the time. I search Ebay for the parts I need, select my truck (3.0 with flex fuel) and it changes to "This part is not compatible" even though they look correct and aren't even related to the fuel system. I am trying to find ball joints or a ball joint kit for my truck and can't find what I need. I'm sure the local parts store has it for double the price for half as many parts. I can get a complete kit on ebay for less than $100 and that includes all the ball joints, tie rods, control arms, stabilizers, etc but it says it does not fit b/c its the flex fuel ranger. Anyone run into this issue and know how to get around it AND get the correct parts. I don't care for name brand parts for the most part since with how rusty this truck is it may last a year or 10 years. My luck is if I spend good money to get it done then someone will t bone me and the truck will be totaled. I remember in the past someone saying they had issues getting ball joints for their 98 or 99 ranger due to the one side being different or something. Anyone got advice on this?

those years had 2 piece passenger side upper control arms,,,TORSION BAR ONLY. replaced with a one piece just like the driver side, but opposite dimensions.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Its because when you select that the computer only looks for parts that specifically say "for 3.0 flex fuel" or something to that effect in the description.

Kinda like the ignition module i bought, it said it wouldnt work on a 2.9 ranger because the description said it was for a 2.9 BII.