I just discovered this evening that the lower ball joint dust covers/boots/seals on my 1998 2WD Ranger are cracked open. My question is, if the ball joints are OK, can you just replace the dust covers? If so, can it be done without special tools? Or do you need the tools that would be needed for replacing the ball joints. I do know it would probably best to just replace the ball joints, but I'm a little strapped for cash right now and am looking for a "cheaper" fix.
Thanks for the help.

EDIT: After further thought, I'm thinking I'll just get new ball joints. That is if I can find a parts house that will also rent or provide the special tools needed to do the job. Thanks for putting up with me "thinking out loud" on here!

 

Nope, the boots can't be replaced.

About the only thing you can do in the short term is to sqirt some grease in there & maybe try applying RTV rubber over the cracks to try & keep some of the dirt & moisture out.

Then begin saving up for upper & lower BJ replacement.
They can be pressed out, even the uppers & replaced, if the upper A arm bushings are in good shape, as mine were. Otherwise opt for new upper A arms with BJ's already installed, but that'll cost a little more.

I had the same dust boot dryrot problem & had to have my 4X2's upper & lower BJ's replaced about 2 years ago & it was about $600 in round numbers for all 4 to be replaced with greaseable lifetime TRW BJ's & an alignment.

 

Look at the Energy Suspension web site to see if they have anything that would fit. They have about a dozen different shapes that I saw. There are also other manufacturers of polyurethane boots.

I just replaced one tie-rod end rubber boot. You do need a special tool to remove the ball joint, but it can be rented. Before you go thru the trouble to replace a boot, inspect/test the ball joint to see whether it might just be a candidate for replacement due to wear.
Per the Ford shop manual:
1) Jack up the truck and let the front suspension hang free with the wheels about 1" above the ground.
2) Using a crowbar or something similar, slip it under a tire and pry the tire up & down while watching the ball joint. Free play should be less than .030". (Replace the joint if it's more).

 

Thanks for the replies.

I did the test you suggested reddog99 and there was zero movement at the ball joints. I went to the Energy Suspension web site and the show that they do make lower ball joint boots. I may check into that. Otherwise I my just keep an eye on the BJs and try to keep some fresh grease inside the boots. The just replace them when I get enough cash.

Thanks again for the advice!