My 95 Ranger 4wd has a bit of a wander in the steering. I have been doing searches on the forums to get some ideas as to what may be the problem. I want to check my ball joints and have read that its best to check them with the tie rods off. Do you still use a "pickle fork" to pop them loose? If not how do you get them out. Thanks TIm

 

That's the way to do it. Goes real easy using it.

 

Anyone happen to know what size pickle fork for the 95 Ford Ranger 4WD?

 

You can borrow one from Autozone. I don't remember them costing very much and I think they only have 2 sizes so I bought both.

 

Two things:

One, you don't need to remove the tie rods ends to check the ball joints. All you have to do is jack the wheel up and someone try to move the wheel by grabbing it at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock. If the ball joints are bad, you'll see movement in them.

Two, there's another way to remove tie rod ends. Take the castle nut off, and thread it back on the stud upside down. A couple whacks and it's free. Don't hit the bare stud, you'll mushroom it and you'll never get the nut back on.

 

andym is correct. Check for play by jacking up the axle, close to the wheel. I always took a bar and put it under the tire at 6 O'clock, and pulled up to look for play.Tie rods don't have to come off to test for play.
Tie rod ends can be popped the same as ball joint studs. Loosen the retaining nut almost off, then take a 4 or 5 pound maul and whack the area next to the stud, on the spindle, 90 degrees to the stud. This will distort the hole enough to pop the stud loose. One or 2 hits is usually enough.