How to : Replace Ball Joints on a Ford Ranger

[@1969Bossman429]

One of the BEST mechanical videos I have ever seen on YT! And I have always used the 5 gal bucket to hold my calipers. One of the handiest tools for brake jobs!

[@MarkMLubas]

I usually go to 1A auto's videos for instruction....but you sir, did an excellent job at walking through the steps, explaining everything in an easy to understand way, and provided excellent video quality. Thank you.

[@jerrywolking2961]

that was one of the best videos I have seen, well explained,good video angles clear and concise. Thank you for taking the time to share.

[@minthillbilly]

Thank you! Always like hearing the positive comments. We appreciate you watching and commenting. Please come back to our channel for more How To Videos. Have a great day.

[@adventures223]

Great job excellent quilty good shots and you have a relaxing demeanor thanks for posting this video it was very helpful

[@hardwired1956]

Most excellent video...you do a much better job explaining than the Haynes manual! Thanks for the time and effort you put in.

[@BlackSheepHB]

I did this job on my Ford Ranger this weekend and this video was a big help. Thanks!

[@barryjohns1965]

By far. One of the top three best how to video's I have ever seen.

[@minthillbilly]

Thank you for the comment. I'm glad you liked the video!

[@donnierakes9456]

Thank you so much brother for sharing. Very well done video. I'm going to do this now for a friend with a 98 Ranger. We'll I'm gonna make him help. He was almost to the point of scrapping his favorite truck after getting a quote to fix. He's never turned a wrench on it until today when I showed him how to replace his shocks and sway bar links. Then we found the ball joint problems. Your video turned up first and we watched. After that, he's excited to start working on more challenging things. Keep up the good work and God bless you brother!

[@Ocalaman]

You did a great job with this video! I got a lot out of it. Thanks.

[@Profane283]

Sir you should teach shop in a high price university. You were very patient. You were very humble to take the time to explain all that stuff to us.

[@minthillbilly]

Thank you Charles for the very encouraging comment. I'm glad you liked the video. I have a LIVE show every Thursday at 9pm est. Feel free to join us with any questions you may have. Have a great day!

[@michaelmatthewkomaromigabr9588]

thank you... i just bought upper and lower ball joints, wheel hubs and more.... your video makes it easy.... thank you again...

[@romanykemp9042]

Good video. I used it to do the same thing on my 2008 ranger. I made a newbie error when installing first ball joint that I wasted hours on. Like you my first attempt went on crooked (the only way I could tell was it was almost impossible to get it to go in). I pushed it back out and tried again and it went much further in. You could also see some metal shaving on the ball joint from my first attempt. My error was that I thought that the ball joint should fit against the base of the control arm - but it looked like it was like almost an half inch from doing so. No matter what I did i could not eliminate that distance - I'm surprised I did not break the clamp trying to force it. I finally noticed after many attempts that the "hole socket" extended below the base of the arm - and was already making contact. Without looking fairly closely it was easy to miss - well - at least for me - a mistake I'll never make again. My only gripe it would have been helpful if you would have added the torque specs. If you did I missed it...

[@bleachitful]

Thank you or doing this, you helped my son and me save home him over $700 by doing this ourselves.

[@jamesswartz9609]

This was a fantastic video! Very informative and useful

[@johnredcorn1826]

One of the better videos I have seen on any kind of auto repair..Thank you for the info..Gonna tackle my 2002 Ford Ranger and it was reassuring seeing you explain how to do it..Thanks again 10 out of 10 for sure on video :-)

[@leedavidson9895]

I've watched several videos on this subject and this is by far the best one out there . thank you for the video

[@andrewedwards3426]

I'm picking up a Ranger this Friday, and I know ball joints are a common issue. This was a pretty darn informative video. Thanks!

[@Duckariffic]

GREAT vid! & Hilarious bloopers! I miss my Girls being that cool and fun!

[@stanleybradley5513]

Thanks - this will save me more than $700 in paras and labor.

[@itsjustkevin6652]

Awesome how-to video. Mine didn't fall out quite so easily but the process was spot on. Also the end of the video is entertaining

[@ram43x80]

Very nice video!! Me n my son need to do both upper n lower ones on his 2000 Ford ranger 4.0

[@samhuynh6029]

This was an excellent video. Thank you for your time and expertise!

[@mendomateo]

Very helpful. To the point and the info. needed. Well done sir.

[@sclhzrd]

this is excellent, clear and concise! cheers and thanks!

[@hello-jh3ff]

Great video! doing is correctly from the start. Thank you for your video saved me a lot of money!

[@paulterzian8835]

GREAT VIDEO BROTHER,SIMPLE NICE, EXPLAINED AWESOME,THANK YOU

[@CJforUSA]

Although there are some much worse situations out there. What I liked best about your video Mini is that you didn't edit out the real-world bullshit that mechanics typically encounter throughout the process of replacing ball joints on a Ford pickup truck. Well done.

[@gregzsidisin]

1) Thanks for showing the process, and for your advice at the end. I wanted to do this myself, but I think I'll follow that advice and take it to a shop. 2) Thanks for the great video production. 3) Thanks for the last section - LOL. ))

[@joshjones3243]

Thank you. My ranger needed it bad gonna do it tomorrow.

[@jamesbillet8954]

Great video. Thank you sir. Much appreciated 😊😊😊

[@miked5866]

Great instructional. Thanks for posting.

[@rebeccabaillie9584]

pickle fork idea saved me and my hands!!!! LOL Thanks for the awesome video!!

[@jamesbillet8954]

Thank you for sharing 😊😊. Great video!! Have a very safe and happy holidays 😊😊😊.

[@willhopkins678]

Good job, very well explained,

[@johnramirez9316]

My friend I can tell you been around for a long time and you're good

[@mikedee8876]

I've looked at a couple of these for the Ranger/mazda...like yours the best...ready to do my Mazda B 2300...thanks

[@alsautner1732]

Looks easy....Good Training Video...!

[@uporoff]

Superb video. Thanks so much for posting

[@Mechanic1307]

Great video, thanks! I can tell you've done this a time or two!

[@rickrydberg5016]

Thank You. The only difference I had was my Ranger had a speed sensor so I had to disconnect the sensor harness to remove the wheel assembly. I also had a problem with very rusty cotter pins. I had to use a drill and a 1/8 punch to remove the cotter pins.

[@ecologyfilms3133]

Thank you brother.. best explanation I ever saw on this issue. 2002 ford ranger or otherwise. When I post again I will try to live up to your example. FYI parts list should or could include a 13mm wrench _for caliper bolts..;)

[@demetrioduenas1519]

Great video I'm learning so much thank you!

[@craesh1001]

Outstanding video

[@AndRyznar]

Great tutorial, good lighting, thank you.

[@victorvasquez8781]

Thank you and blessings to you and your family.

[@paulcannon7387]

Thanks Mr. Billy. A great help.

[@ptlpszt1]

Excellent technique. Thank you

[@MrRato1951]

Good Job my Friend Thank you God Bless you !

[@minthillbilly]

You are welcome. God bless you as well.

[@KittenBand]

Amazing thank you 🙏🏻 Stay safe with your family 🌷god bless you

[@1racertommy]

good simple easy to understand

[@minthillbilly]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Please visit our channel again for more How To videos. Have a great day!

[@1racertommy]

Would like to see it done on a 4 wheel drive

[@dutchhoffman5685]

great ending to a great video.

[@completerenos.victoria]

I may have seen someone breathe in more brake dust before - I just can't remember when.... But bless his kind and gentle heart!

[@damifinowfish]

Great Video

[@ChrisHernandez-es2qo]

Thank you this video really helped

[@cemental1126]

GREAT VIDEO, THANK YOU...

[@gregbrooks9546]

Do you have to put a preload on the upper control arm bolts and then lower the tires on the ground and then finish tightening the control arm bolts to specs.

[@toddbob55]

OEM Ford ball joints last 250,000 miles ..... Autozone, oreilly, napa Aftermarket ball joints last 10,000 miles before they fail

[@gregbrooks9546]

Very well explained. I just bought my Dad's 98 ranger with only 105k on it. However the ball joint rubber boots are torn. It looks like I only have to replace the lower ball joints. Never done ball joints before so can I follow this info and just ignore the upper control arm part to do the bottom only.

[@Trigger-xw9gq]

Is it possible to just replace the upper joint without the a-arm, or do you have to replace the whole arm and joint together?

[@billkerr2060]

Good Video guy

[@theblade9024]

Thanks very helpful.

[@salvadorgarza4862]

Great video. Thanks

[@phaque179]

Are you not pre-loading the upper control arm when you pry it down to meet the knuckle.

[@amberrenee3468]

thorough very helpful thanks

[@itsJohnnyDill]

I wonder why my service manual describes compressing & removing the coil spring to do this procedure on 2wd Rangers. Glad this is not necessary. :-)

[@MrFiddlerbow]

Great video !! Thank you

[@gregbrooks9546]

I just replaced my 98 ranger's lower ball joints with the Moog bootless joints. I forgot to point the grease relief valve away from the brakes. Is that a big concern. I guess to make sure I don't get grease on my brakes when I grease the joint is to wipe away any excess from around the boot after greasing and I should be good right.

[@gregbrooks9546]

Is it necessary to get a wheel alignment after doing lower ball joints only

[@anthonykirk8943]

Great video..thanks.. :)

[@daveauhaugen6644]

The brake doesn't have to be disassembled if you support it with a floor jack.....right?

[@michaelmatthewkomaromigabr9588]

please follow the instructions in the video.... he does not use a floor jack to support anything...

[@abcdefghj189]

Exelente Video! Gracias

[@fleettech3570]

Would you have a video on how you replace the front brake pads on the 2014+ Ford ranger, the Mazda bt50 is the same

[@trippleslots]

A really great video easy to follow. What is really nice is you spoke clearly and without a lot of noise drowning you out like a radio or a drill or something Our son is not real mechanically inclined and has limited knowledge Due to Agent Orange I am no longer able to do much or help We watche dthis video together and along with another one that was decent, he has removed and nearly has both sides replced In the old days it was not uncommon to have to spread the knuckle a lot to get a new one in. Neither yours or the other vudeo showing that having to be done That is where the problem started the top ball joint The Ball joint appears to be bigger than the old one are some ball joints a little bigger and you have to spread the Knuckle open with something ? Or does he have the wrong ball joint ? He did compare it with another new one and it is big as well . Does he have the wrong one ? any help appreciated

[@-HustleUnion-]

excellent god damn video. if I were to undertake that, and trying to make a video at the same time there would be much more foul language and bloody knuckles. doing this job next month thanks for the instructions.

[@sensational4646]

gotta do my 2002 ranger 4x2 edge with a torsion bar. ? is anything different or do the same steps apply?

[@meiv8161]

How do you do it to a 96 2.3ranger2 wheel drive

[@jimpinckard7891]

Hey minthillbilly this is a really good detailed video. I would just like to know why you wouldn't replace just the upper joint instead of the entire a-arm. I'm sure there is a reason but I just don't know what it is. Thanks and keep on coming with the great detailed videos.

[@robertrodgers1423]

+Jim Pinckard I just purchased a 2000 Ranger and am about to replace both lower and upper ball joints. My research shows that the OEM upper was designed as one complete unit but the replacement allows for just the ball joint. Poor original design corrected by the replacement parts. This is a very detailed video, leaves out a bit, check out Chris Fix replacement video to supplement this one. Wish me luck as I'm novice as can be with my mechanical skills.

[@jimpinckard7891]

+Robert Rodgers I think your mechanical skills are just fine.

[@rogerroger5585]

Great video. You explain the procedures well. One question; Is it possible to just leave the tie-rod end attached and swing the spindle out of the way?

[@williamgould5916]

No, you have to disconnect it from the knuckle because the knuckle has to be removed to remove the lower ball joint.

[@1969Bossman429]

P.S. the Bloopers were HIlarious! How'd you get your daughter to do this for you?!

[@minthillbilly]

She is an actress and loves to be on film too. Thank you for the comment. Have a great day!

[@MrLuridan]

probably need an alignment after? or no?

[@cosasraras6028]

Muy bueno thanks

[@unclecuzzotoot4602]

VERY HELPFUL THANX

[@kramu1692]

is there anything different with a Ranger that is 4 wheel drive

[@JoaquinSanchez-db9gk]

thank you, you're the man. but i have one question do you have to replace the control arms?? or can i just replace the bolt joins and use the same control arms

[@bearspiritjpz]

I have a 2000 Ford ranger and I'm gonna try and put new ball joints in the upper control arm while it's on the truck. I'll let you know if it's possible

[@bearspiritjpz]

The stock Control arms are not pressable they sell them because some are but the stock ones aren't

[@robertgwalsh5878]

Thank you for the great video. I would like to replace the lower ball joints (uppers just replace recently). Is there a video for just lowers?

[@garyrumbaugh2917]

OMG, he did the lower ball joint, just watch that part LOL. You still have to disassemble the entire hub to do the lowers. Why don't you make a video when you do yours and we can compare. This guy did a wonderful job. You should feel blessed he did.

[@BillyTpower]

Good demo dude, my wife's 2010 needs upper and lower ball-joints changed. I might just throw the discs up in the lathe for a clean up while they are off anyway, what do you think about turning the rotors? or do you believe I should leave them alone (lol if it ain't broke don't fix it). Just seemed opportunist is all

[@jimearnest4342]

Hey brother, your not going to find what you're looking for until you go through every drawer twice,lol. PS: your daughter is cute and silly,my grand daughters are the same and,I love having them around my shop,they make everything a little less stressful.

[@CosmicGlue]

Vry helpful brthr

[@Denis-bo8ms]

Hey I have a 1999 Ford Ranger. Are they all the same as far as suspension? Can I use parts off later models, like 2001,2002, etc. off junkyard trucks?

[@arsbadmojo]

Hey, great video. Why did you replace the control arm? Is that something you always do when you replace the ball joints, or was there a specific reason? How do you know when a control arm should be replaced?

[@arsbadmojo]

Woops, looks like Joaquin already asked the same question; I apologize for posting before reading - but if you do have any more specific details I'd love to hear your thoughts!

[@brainboxrestoration]

most likely replaced because it takes far more pressure to press the ball joint into the control arm and you can just purchase the control arms with the ball joint already pressed. My advice is to always purchase that top ball joint pre-pressed into the upper control arm. It will save you a lot of headaches and time.

[@spuitff3jqza618]

now is the upper balljoint fixed to the upper control arm?

[@williamgould5916]

Yes

[@royhollingsworth4642]

Video was good but my Ranger is a 2001, how do I disconnect ABS line.

[@enterprise59]

Is the 03 Ranger the same?

[@larryoren5928]

It looks like those end links a common. My son's got the same thing wrong with his.

[@tonybaez5162]

are the tho contror arm are the same size

[@michaelmatthewkomaromigabr9588]

look at autozone and check them... one should be different then the other... different shape, i think.... check it...

[@ghostduckinvestigations9798]

since everyone goes by the driver side or passenger side which one are they as far as left or right? uppers that is. I called the guy at autozone he read off the box numbers and told me the exact opposite of what he was reading! So that didnt help!?

[@larrygrasso6032]

I need front ball joint's for my 2003 ranger,,,and what would be the Price for that Job..??? ty

[@Emmanuel-wl6mu]

It'd be nice to know why you were changing out the ball joints in the first place

[@minthillbilly]

They were worn out. Lots of play in the joints

[@Emmanuel-wl6mu]

Thank you for the info.. it's good to give explanation on how the problem started that caused they show the first place so people know what to look for. Very helpful video, you explained it quite well

[@Profane283]

I don't think I really need a torque wrench for that job. Or do I? Does anyone know ?

[@tambb57]

I liked it