How hard is it to change the inner ball joint on a '97 3.0?
Beaned

 

Upper and Lower Ball Joints, Ranger and Explorer


Removal

1. Remove the spindle and ball joint assembly from the axle as described in this section.

2. Install the spindle assembly in a vise, remove the snap ring from the lower ball joint. Remove the lower ball joint from the spindle using U-Joint Tool T74P-4635-C C-frame and suitable size receiver cup from Ball Joint Adapter Set D81T-3010-A.

3. Turn the forcing screw clockwise until the ball joint is removed from the spindle.



4. Assemble C-frame assembly and receiver cup on the upper ball joint and turn forcing screw clockwise until ball joint is removed from the spindle.

NOTE:
The lower ball joint must be removed before removing upper ball joint.



CAUTION:
Do not heat the ball joint or the spindle to aid in removal.


Installation

NOTE:
Upper ball joint must be installed into the spindle first.

1. Assemble U-Joint Tool T74P-4635-C assembly and suitable size ball joint receiver cup and installation cup inside cup in position on the spindle.

2. Turn forcing screw clockwise until ball joint is seated.

CAUTION:
Do not heat the ball joint or axle to aid in installation.



3. To install the upper ball joint, assemble the C-frame in position on the spindle and repeat Step 1.

4. Install the snap ring onto the ball joint.



5. Install the spindle and ball joint assembly as described in this section.

 

you should also probably get an alignment after

 

M. Herrington,

Are you sure these insturctions apply to the Aerostar? The Ranger and early Explorers used the Twin I-Beam front suspension (no ball joints), and are quite different from the double A-arm front suspension of the Aerostar. Your description implies that the ball joints are installed in the spindles, while the ball joints in the Aerostar are installed in the control arms, and bolted into holes in the spindle. Actually, the upper ball joint installs into a hole in the upper extension of the spindle, and a pinch bolt holds it in place. The lower ball joint is more conventional, although the AWD version points down from the control arm, vs the more normal design on the RWD model that points up.

Beaned,

I'm not sure what an "inner ball joint" is. Are you referring to the inner tie-rod end of the steering system?

 

I had the same question. The ball joints on mine are in the Arms and are quit easy to replace.

I used a cut off disk to cut the revits and knocked it out. The replacements came with Three bolts and nuts to install the new one.

 

Yes they would be the inner tie rods. I've heard both terms used, but i'm sure inner tie rod ends are correct.
Beaned
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not sure, this is directly off of the factory service cd, under the aerostar section, but since i am a complete dunce when it comes to suspension, all i can do is cut and paste from the manual on it.