Help need to change the lower ball joints in a 1996 ford explorer. However I cant get to it. where can I find detailed Instructions.

 

Hi and welcome to FTE

It's not exactly the same, but pretty close to the same, as replacing them in an F-150. Take a look near the top of the 97-03 F-150 forum for a how-to.

 

I was setting up to do my neighbors 99 Explorer 4wd ball joints too, and from an earlier post, I got a reply linking me to the above referenced link for replacing the ball joints. (It's a great post too, by the way).

Can the lower joint be replaced without removing the steering knuckle? It appears the upper ball joints and tie-rod ends are good, and my neighbor doesn't want to do any more than necessary (poor college student). The right hand lower joint is bad, but I'll do both lowers if possible. To ask the question in a different way...After jacking the lower arm with a floor jack (to unload the torsion bar tension), can I just undo the lower ball joint nut and press it out...or is there not enough slack to get the press in place?

Didn't mean to hijack the post, but this seemed a relevant question

 

You don't really need to unload the torsion bar. The shock absorber and sway bar will hold it all in place ok.
You do have to pop the upper ball joint out of the steering knuckle because otherwise the axle will be in the way and you won't be able to get the lower ball joint out. It only takes a few minutes to completely remove the knuckle and you won't need any more parts.