Replacing U/L Ball Joints, Spring Compressor?
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2004
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Replacing U/L Ball Joints, Spring Compressor?
1998 Ranger, 4X2, 2.5l, 5 speed
I have replaced the upper and lower ball joints - no issues getting control arms and knuckle/wheel off - and, no issues with R&R of the ball joints themselves - however, looks like I need a coil spring compressor to get it back on?
I tried small single hook variety from local auto parts loan process, but they didn't offset far enough out from the spring to clear the upper or lower frame - tried hooking up all sorts of ways, but just won't work.
The Haynes manual shows a different sort of compressor tool - one with a hook at the one end and a yoke affair at the other - can't find one for sale on line ...
Anyone done this before with a tool they know works?
Thanks for any advice!!
George
I have replaced the upper and lower ball joints - no issues getting control arms and knuckle/wheel off - and, no issues with R&R of the ball joints themselves - however, looks like I need a coil spring compressor to get it back on?
I tried small single hook variety from local auto parts loan process, but they didn't offset far enough out from the spring to clear the upper or lower frame - tried hooking up all sorts of ways, but just won't work.
The Haynes manual shows a different sort of compressor tool - one with a hook at the one end and a yoke affair at the other - can't find one for sale on line ...
Anyone done this before with a tool they know works?
Thanks for any advice!!
George
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 37
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OK - I figured out could remove shock and get at least one spring compressor inside the coil.
Was able to compress quite a bit - but, still can't get upper ball joint to seat into the control arm - could I have installed the ball joint upside down? As it is now mounted into the brackets and as I look at it, the factory marks are rightside up - i.e. I can read the marking normally and they reflect R/H side - should it be the other way? I stupidly pulled and replaced both, thinking I had marked them both accurately - could have gotten both upside down ...
Could someone with a 1998-1999 era 4x2 take a look at theirs and see what they look like?
Thanks!
Was able to compress quite a bit - but, still can't get upper ball joint to seat into the control arm - could I have installed the ball joint upside down? As it is now mounted into the brackets and as I look at it, the factory marks are rightside up - i.e. I can read the marking normally and they reflect R/H side - should it be the other way? I stupidly pulled and replaced both, thinking I had marked them both accurately - could have gotten both upside down ...
Could someone with a 1998-1999 era 4x2 take a look at theirs and see what they look like?
Thanks!
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 37
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Thanks, Cougar, for response - only the upper control arm needs to be removed - makes it easier to get at the upper ball joint.
To keep answering my own topic :-), though, here's some more from the last couple of hours ...
I think I had both L and R perfect - perfectly upside down - think I misread my code I put on one that said "up."
I flipped the ball joints on the upper control arm and they both fit easy now - only had to push hard - didn't really even require a spring compressor. Should it have been this easy? I reread all posts I could find on the topic and couldn't find anyone who talked about needing a spring compressor (even though book says ya do).
Hopefully have it all OK, now - any comments would still be appreciated!
Thanks, again!
To keep answering my own topic :-), though, here's some more from the last couple of hours ...
I think I had both L and R perfect - perfectly upside down - think I misread my code I put on one that said "up."
I flipped the ball joints on the upper control arm and they both fit easy now - only had to push hard - didn't really even require a spring compressor. Should it have been this easy? I reread all posts I could find on the topic and couldn't find anyone who talked about needing a spring compressor (even though book says ya do).
Hopefully have it all OK, now - any comments would still be appreciated!
Thanks, again!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 586
Likes: 1
were you able to get just the ball joints for the uppers? I was only able to find it with the whole new upper control arm. I think this topic has come up before, and I don't remember if anyone for sure has been able to replace just the joint.
Aside from that, my whole upper control arm assemblies were cake to replace. Literally like 15 mins. per side. maybe 20.
FWIW mines a 1999 2wd coil spring.
Aside from that, my whole upper control arm assemblies were cake to replace. Literally like 15 mins. per side. maybe 20.
FWIW mines a 1999 2wd coil spring.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 586
Likes: 1
Good to know. No one around here had a correct listing for an upper. Didn't matter to me so much, as my control arm bushings were making noise, and the new ones came with new bushings already on them.
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