Ball Joints...

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Nov 14, 2006 | 09:17 AM

howse

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Ball Joints...

So, I'm doing my first ball joints ever on my 97 ranger (v6 4.0L 4x4) and having a tough time trying to get the spindle assy. to drop. The Tie rod is disconnected, and the ball joints are too. The problem is the CV joint/Axle won't let the assemly drop low enough for the ball joints to slide completly out. Any secrets I should know?

Nov 14, 2006 | 11:13 AM

fordboy_52

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From: Abilene Kansas

Welcome to FTE howse. Im glad you chose the best site on the net for Ford-Trucks! See you around the boards!!

Matt

Nov 14, 2006 | 01:33 PM

monsterbaby

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From: iowa

Welcome to FTE.
I believe the problem is your supposed to remove the axle before trying to get the balljoints off, could be wrong but everyone I have ever done had to hve the axle removed first.

Nov 14, 2006 | 01:35 PM

Alan D.

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From: Slatington PA

No, you can do it without removing the axel, but removing it is much easier.

Nov 14, 2006 | 05:35 PM

howse

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Thanks! Alan D, Which would be a bigger job, pulling the Axle, or trying to get it off around the cv joint? (I'm kinda new to the working on trucks thing).

Nov 16, 2006 | 10:57 PM

MazdaRangerGuyInSTL

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Remove the axle nut... rethread it on a few threads and smack it with a hammer.. this will push the axle back an inch or so from the spindle...

Then remove the nut and lightly tap it.. eventually it will hit the point in which it will just fit loosely and then you can work it off because it'll give you the clearance necessary to clear the ball joints.