Hello, I have a 2000 2wd with 115K and am replacing ball joints. My question is, I saw in some write-ups to use a car jack to put pressure on the lower control arm while removing the knuckle. Once you take the knuckle out, and lower the jack to relieve spring tension, will this cause any damage? Because then the spring is just held by the two mounting bolts for the LCA.

Thank you.

 

After closer inspetion I see that the tie rod and sway bar are still connected to the LCA, but is this enough to hold the spring in place?

Thank you.

 

When I do these I always take the whole spindle off. With the tie-rod end off and the spindle removed the sway bar end link will hold it with no danger. It is always better to leave the nut on the ball joint to seperate it loose. But the answer is yes to your question.

 

Thanks for the help. With the spindle off I think I will try to replace the outer tie rod while I'm there.

One thing I am wondering is, if put jackstands under the frame rail and compress the underside of the LCA with a jack, when you seperate the lower ball joint and start spinning the nut, will the spring push out and raise the truck off the jackstands?

One other question is, is it usually difficult at the end to bring the LCA and UCA close enough together to both top and bottom bolts attached to the spindle?

Thank you.

 

Once you have replaced the ball joint/Joints Start at the lower control arm and put the spindle on it first then start the nut on the lower ball joint this will take the weight of spindle out of the equation. then most times if the upper control arm bushing will allow it to move you can push it down and start the upper ball joint in the hole if it will not go all the way down tap it with a hammer gently while putting in the retaining bolt, this usually works pretty easy and alot quicker. If not jack it up and use the weight of the truck to compress it till the bolt will go in.

 

Thanks again. That being said do you think it would be better to just support the truck with jackstands just under the LCAs? Then, just have back up stands under but not touching the frame, only for safety? This way I suppose the springs would keep fully compressed the whole time.

 

No I would support the frame with stands first. Then use the jack to raise the control arms. The spring compression isn't as bad as the older trucks used to be. Also the shock absorber is inside of the spring that sould give a little less to worry about. If this is your first time doing these when taking out the lowers remove the snap ring first then support the LCA with the jack and pound the lower ball joint out with a hammer it will save alot of time from pressing it out. no short cut putting them in but make sure they are going in straight before pressing them too far, if not they will be a pain in the butt. Not an easy job but very rewarding in the ride of your truck. And no more eating your tires.

 

I understand now- Thanks a lot for the tips.

For anyone else interested here is another helpful website: Ford Ranger Ball Joint Replace