Ball Joint Blues

[ranger4u]

Looks and really sounds like the ball joints are shot in my '99 Ranger 4x4.
I mean it's really squeaking to the point of embarassment. It happened Fri. afternoon while returning from a job. It was creaking and squeaking when turning and also when hitting a bump. I haven't looked yet, but I'm assuming that there are no zerks on the joints.Anybody have any experience with replacement or should I just have someone do it for me?Any input would be helpful so I can take care of it this week. I already miss my Ranger

 

[JhnZ33]

Looks and really sounds like the ball joints are shot in my '99 Ranger 4x4.
I mean it's really squeaking to the point of embarassment. It happened Fri. afternoon while returning from a job. It was creaking and squeaking when turning and also when hitting a bump. I haven't looked yet, but I'm assuming that there are no zerks on the joints.Anybody have any experience with replacement or should I just have someone do it for me?Any input would be helpful so I can take care of it this week. I already miss my Ranger

Had the same problem with my 99. Turned out to be the UPPER ball joints, which are integral to the control arm and not replacable by themselves. You need to replace the whole control arm. I paid $95.00 each at Autozone - they aren't cheap.

The bottom ball joints usually don't creak or squeak, they'll usually clunk.

JJP