Removal & Installation - Ford Ranger Maintaince And Repair Manual

1. Check and adjust the front wheel bearings. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Have a helper grasp the lower edge of the tire and move the wheel assembly in and out.
3. While the wheel is being moved, observe the lower spindle arm and the lower part of the axle jaw.
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4. A / in. (0.8mm) or greater movement between the lower part of the axle jaw and the lower spindle
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arm indicates that the lower ball joint must be replaced
5. To check the upper ball joints, while the wheel is being moved, observe the upper spindle arm and the
upper part of the axle jaw.
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6. A / in. (0.8mm) or greater movement between the upper part of the axle jaw and the upper spindle
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arm indicates that the upper ball joint must be replaced
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Except Mountaineer, 1995−99 Explorer and 1998−99 Ranger
The ball joints are arranged such that if the upper ball joint is to be removed, the lower ball joint must
be removed first. Also, when installing the upper ball joint, the lower ball joint must be installed first.
Failure to install the lower ball joint before the upper, will result in a lack of clearance for the
installation tool.
1. Remove the steering knuckle.
2. Place knuckle in vise and remove snapring from bottom ball joint socket if so equipped.
3. Assemble the C−frame, T74P−461−C, forcing screw, D79T−3010−AE and ball joint remover
T83T−3050−A or equivalent on the lower ball joint.
4. Turn forcing screw clockwise until the lower ball joint is removed from the steering knuckle.
5. Repeat the previous steps for the upper ball joint.
Always remove and install the lower ball joint first
To install:
6. Clean the steering knuckle bore and insert lower ball joint in knuckle as straight as possible. The
lower ball joint doesn't have a cotter pin hole in the stud.
7. Assemble the C−frame, T74P−461−C, forcing screw, D790T−3010−AE, ball joint installer,
T83T−3050−A and receiver cup T80T−3010−A3 or equivalent tools, to install the lower ball joint.
8. Turn the forcing screw clockwise until the lower ball joint is firmly seated. Install the snapring on the
lower ball joint.
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HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
Checking the ball joints
Click to enlarge
INSPECTION