lower ball joints
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lower ball joints
I have a 2000 ranger xlt 4 x 2 coil spring suspension. I replaced the lower ball joints, but I was wondering how far they are supposed to be pressed in? I have them pressed in far enough to get the snap ring on but they look like they can go in more. Also, I used anti-seize, is this ok?
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If you got the snap ring on they are probably in far enough. If you look at the lower control arm you'll see there is a lip on the underside.. .what you really need to check is the gap between the ball join housing and the edge of the lip. It should technically be seated fully.
You used anti seize.. where? On the nut? or on the ball joint itself? Honestly it'll probably be o.k. but not really recommended on the ball joint housing.
What method of installation did you use? What brand ball joints?
You used anti seize.. where? On the nut? or on the ball joint itself? Honestly it'll probably be o.k. but not really recommended on the ball joint housing.
What method of installation did you use? What brand ball joints?
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I used Moog products. I used anti-seize on the ball joint housing and pressed them in with a c-clamp/ball joint press. They were hard as hell to get in. I seen the lip on the underside. I can stick my finger in between it and the control arm. I couldn't remember how the original ones were sitting. The snap ring is on. I just don't want to be going down the highway and have my spindle and tire fly off. Just a little worried about how far they are in.
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Yeah the moogs are oversized a little.. sometimes the hole in the control arm gets wallowed out or pitted as a result of age, so they increased the diameter to compensate. Downside is... very hard to install. I've always had to use a 1/2 Impact on the ball joint press to get those suckers in all the way.
Yes.. if there's that much gap you should work on getting them in further. The clip is a secondary safety measure.. not designed to actually hold the ball joint in place.
You can try putting the clamp back on... put some weight on the ball joint (by lowering the jack some.. but NOT all the way) and tap on the edge of the control arm with a hammer while someone else works on tightening the press.
Unless you have the means to get air tools... good luck
Yes.. if there's that much gap you should work on getting them in further. The clip is a secondary safety measure.. not designed to actually hold the ball joint in place.
You can try putting the clamp back on... put some weight on the ball joint (by lowering the jack some.. but NOT all the way) and tap on the edge of the control arm with a hammer while someone else works on tightening the press.
Unless you have the means to get air tools... good luck
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Upon closer inspection, again, I do have them all the way in. I forgot about the lip the control arm has that sticks out downward. Thanks for the replies. I also got my sway bar back on with some new moog end-links and energy suspension bushing/brackets. The truck feels great now and no more clunking noise. I got some helper springs to put on, and I'm thinking of a rear sway bar.
