My 91 ranger is real loose in the steering. Local machanic wants $450 to change ball joints. I would rather do it myself, if possible.How do you change the ball joints on a 1991 ford ranger?You need some fairly stout tools for a pickup ball joint job.
1: Remove the brakes. If it's 4x4, you need the socket for the big nut to remove the brake rotor and bearings. There is a lock peg in a groove that can be removed with a magnet or small pick.
2: 4x4: Remove the spindle. 5 or 6 bolts in a circle and you might need to tap the spindle to loosen it up. Don't hurt the threads or smooth areas where the bearings ride. Then remove the axle/u-joint assembly. Fluid will leak from the diff, so a pan is in order. On a 2 wheel drive, the spindle stays put.
3: Remove the cotter pins and large nuts from the upper and lower ball joints and outer tie rod.
4: Big hammer to the steering arm and upper part of the knuckle to break loose the ball joint and tie rod stud tapers and drop the knuckle. It will drop, so you might want one of the ball joint nuts on 2 or 3 turns to catch it. Don't hurt the spot where the brakes ride.
5: Remove knuckle and use a ball joint press set to press the old ones out and new ones in. You probably want a 1/2%26quot; impact wrench to run the press. Hand wrenching a press gets old fast.
6: Reverse procedure to install. Refill the diff.How do you change the ball joints on a 1991 ford ranger?Garages are in desperate need of work due to the economy. Your best bet is to call around and ask for an estimate to replace the ball joints, ( you may need an alignment too), but tell them you want to supply the parts yourself because the garage will mark up the parts price on you. Buy cheaper ball joints if you have no plans on keeping the truck long, but if you still plan on having it around for a while, then buy Moog brand ball joints, they are the best around. So with some luck you may save yourself about $100-200 bucks and you wont get your owns hands dirty at the same time.
good luck.........
