Ranger 2WD V6-245 4.0L VIN X SFI (1997)
Ball Joint: Testing and Inspection
Ball Joint, Upper
Prior to performing any ball joint inspection, check and adjust the front wheel bearings.
1. Raise the vehicle and place safety stands under the l-beam axle beneath the front coil spring as shown.
Fig. 13 Checking Lower Ball Joint For Ware
2. Have an assistant grasp the lower edge of the tire and move the wheel in and out.
3. While the wheel is being moved, observe the lower spindle arm and the lower part of the axle jaw.
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A 0.8 mm (1/32 inch) or greater movement between the lower part of the axle jaw and lower spindle arm indicates that the front suspension
lower arm ball joint must be replaced.
4. Check the front suspension upper ball joints. Grasp the upper edge of the tire and move the wheel in and out.
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A 0.8 mm (1/32 inch) or greater movement between the upper spindle arm and the upper part of the axle jaw indicates that the front
suspension upper ball joint must be replaced.
