Mountaineer, 1995-99 Explorer and 1998-99 Ranger

The ball joints on the Mountaineer, 1995-99 Explorer and 1998-99 Ranger are integral with the control arms. If the ball joint is defective, the entire control arm must be replaced.

To remove the lower control arm, the torsion bar must be removed. Anytime the torsion bar is disturbed, the ride height must be checked and adjusted.

1.Position the steering wheel to the on-center position. Loosen the wheel lug nuts.
2.Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3.Remove the wheel lug nuts and wheel.
4.Disconnect the stabilizer bar link bolt from the lower control arm.
5.Remove the front shock absorber.
6.Remove the torsion bar.
7.Remove the lower ball joint retaining nut cotter pin and loosen the nut but do not remove it.
8.Disconnect the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using a jawed puller, such as Pitman Arm Puller T64P-3590-F, or equivalent.

          
          
WARNING
Fasten a support, either out of a block of wood or wire wrapped around the frame, and support the weight of the steering knuckle/brake assembly. Do not allow the steering knuckle/brake assembly to hang from the upper ball joint as this may damage the joint.
          
          

9.Position a jack under the lower control arm then remove the lower ball joint retaining nut.
10.Raise the lower control arm until the lower ball joint stud is free from the steering knuckle.
11.Remove the two nuts and bolts retaining the lower arm pivot points to the frame crossmember.
12.Remove the lower control arm from the frame pockets. Some careful prying may ease the removal of the arm.

To install:

13.Inspect the lower ball joint, boot and pivot bushings. If any inspected components are worn or damaged, the entire control arm must be replaced.

Do not tighten the lower control arm mounting bolts to the final torque until the end of the installation procedure.

14.Position the lower control arm pivot points into the frame and crossmember pockets. Install the bolts and nuts and snug the bolts.
15.Position a jack under the lower control arm.
16.Install the torsion bar.
17.Raise the lower control arm to allow the lower ball joint stud to be inserted into the steering knuckle.
18.Lower the control arm assembly and ensure that the lower ball joint stud protrudes through the steering knuckle bore.
19.Install the lower ball joint attaching nut and tighten to 83-113 ft. lbs. (113-153 Nm). Install a new cotter pin, advancing (tightening) the nut as required. Never loosen the retaining nut in order to install the cotter pin.
20.Install the shock absorber.
21.Install the wheel and snug the lug nuts.
22.Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to 100 ft. lbs. (135 Nm).

The lower control arm-to-frame bolts must be tightened with the weight of the vehicle resting on the wheels. If clearance permits, allow the vehicle to sit on the ground while tightening the bolts.

23.If necessary, raise the vehicle again and position either car ramps under the wheels or jackstands on the lower control arms, as close to the wheels as possible.
24.Tighten the control arm-to-frame bolts to 111-148 ft. lbs. (150-200 Nm).
25.Lower the vehicle.
26.Check and adjust the ride height.
27.While it should not be necessary, have the wheel alignment checked by a professional shop.