So the time has come to replace the original 190,000 mile ball joints. I got the old ones out of the spindle, but we are struggling to get the new ones in. What's the best way? I rented the tool but I think I might need additional tools.

 

Go to the Ranger "Tech Info" thread & scroll down to near the bottom & find the "ball joint" thread, open it & scroll down to post 14 & have a look in that photo rich link for how to do it & what to look our for. Let us know how it goes.

 

I've run into a few Fords that needed an extension on the press to work properly. I simply took some pipe of appropriate diameter and cut a lengtht to work. Other than that, I'm not sure what problems you are having. I replaced the ball joints on my '98 2WD last year and all went well.

 

Bump:
Well William how is the ball joint replacement going, curious minds would like to know.

 

I nearly broke a rented ball joint press getting the old ones out.
They were an extreemly tight press fit.
-Bill

 

After nearly 20 years, I'd expect them to come out with some effort.

William,
Are you doing the upper, lower or both?

BarnieTrk

 

The lowers were shot.
The uppers have maybe another year or two.
I will probably replace them when it's time for tires & alignment.
I just replaced the shocks this summer.
-Bill

 

Whoops! Forgot about this post... been very busy. Anyway, yes, they were an absolute nightmare to get out. We had to use a hydraulic press to get them pressed out and back in because the tool itself refused to pop them loose, even with a cheater pipe on the wrench.

The old ones were original and were completely shot.. dry as a bone and very loose. Replaced the uppers and lowers, as well as the outer tie rods, drag link and inner tie rod. Gonna be doing the radius arm bushings next weekend to button it all up.