96 Lower Ball Joint replacement?

[PDA3]

I need to replace the lower ball joint on my 96 XLT, passenger side.

Anyone got a "how to do it" description?


Thanks.

 

[my pos mounty]

yep, check the "sticky" in this section, its the second one from the top of the page.
OR, you could use the "search" function on this site, it works.

or ---> http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=188225

 

[PDA3]

That guy's talkin' about a Mountaineer isn't he? Is it the same configuration as a Explorer XLT?

 

[corkey]

mountaineer is the same underneath as an Explorer,

 

[wisekise]

exactly the same, i used that writeup to do mine.

 

[TheJackal]

If yours is 2WD, it's even easier.

good luck!

 

[PDA3]

I hope you fellas are right....the stupid Haynes manual says that on a 96 the entire control arm must be removed and replaced as the lower ball joint isn't replaceable.

 

[corkey]

i changed the ball joints on my 96 myself,

 

[PDA3]

Do you have to use that ball joint press the sticky mentions or can you just beat it out?

 

[my pos mounty]

Do you have to use that ball joint press the sticky mentions or can you just beat it out?

I beat mine out with a ball-peen hammer. It was replaced a few years before so it wasn't too difficult. (lesson: don't go cheap or you will do it again)
But, you are going to need a press to put it back in, unless you use the jack trick, but since you can go to Autozone and use one for free...why bother?
Now remember what I said about not going cheap here? DO NOT get the balljoint from Autozone. Get a Moog balljoint. Then, drive over to Autozone, buy another "cheap" one. You will have to give Autozone (i think its) $100 deposit that will be refunded when you return the press. When you finish the job, be apologetic and return the "cheap" balljoint and the press for your money.