'92 Ford Ranger 4x4 suspension and bearing questions

[Metalhead Matt]

I have the 4.0, 5 speed version of this truck. Stupidly, I lost my license and the truck has been sitting for a couple of years. I installed a 2" lift on it while I was still driving. Coil spacers and the drop bracket for the Traction beams. I know there is another part in the steering that needs to be replaced to bring the geometry back to normal. I'm just not sure what arm is being mentioned. I really haven't looked at the truck that close and now it's buried in snow. Another question is do these trucks have unit bearings or spindle bearings. These are the issues that I'm wanting to iron out before I get 'er back on the road this summer. Obviously, a proper alignment is outta the question until these problems are fixed. Thanks as always for any info.

 

[SMaxxin]

I don't have one but I'm going to guess that the arm in question is a pitman arm...It's the short arm on the steering box. You normally have to get one that hangs lower so the steering doesn't bind.

 

[2revo1maxx]

I have the 4.0, 5 speed version of this truck. Stupidly, I lost my license and the truck has been sitting for a couple of years. I installed a 2" lift on it while I was still driving. Coil spacers and the drop bracket for the Traction beams. I know there is another part in the steering that needs to be replaced to bring the geometry back to normal. I'm just not sure what arm is being mentioned. I really haven't looked at the truck that close and now it's buried in snow. Another question is do these trucks have unit bearings or spindle bearings. These are the issues that I'm wanting to iron out before I get 'er back on the road this summer. Obviously, a proper alignment is outta the question until these problems are fixed. Thanks as always for any info.

If it has that kind of solid axle that bends in the middle than it's gonna be a job changing the bearings. You'll need a special tool as well, it looks like a big socket but it's not a hex, not sure how to describe it. As for alignment, you're probably just going to have to reset the toe and camber, unless of course it won't turn all the way. If it will then I would just get it on a concrete or blacktop surface, then measure the distance from the inside of one wheel to the other. I'm pretty sure you know what I'm saying just check the toe with all the weight on the wheels. A 2 inch lift probably isn't worth buying tons of steering parts for. You'll wanna do the bearings first.

 

[digger]

Think this is the socket you need? http://www.car-stuff.com/store/?N=0...Nut Socket+OTC&csid=cs16773387614b3c005d38ed0
Looks like it depends on whether you have manual or auto hubs.

I just put front wheel bearings on the Bronco. '96 model. It wasn't a one pc unit. Cost about $30.
I had a socket from some 25 or 30 years ago when we had a '78 Ford.
Hard to believe that I could still find it and it was the same socket.

 

[Metalhead Matt]

Thanks fellows. The thing is, the bearings aren't shot yet, the ball joints probably. I've had the front end in the air and done some wiggle/crow bar testing. The ball joints have a tad bit of play; I forgot to mention them. The steering parts that are on the truck are in good shape; no play in the steering at all. The only funny thing about the steering is that it gets really light at center. I only had the truck aligned once after installing the lift parts so a set of ball joints and a 2nd alignment may do the trick for now. I'm pretty sure Ford didn't change the ttb out until '97 digger. We probably have the same suspension. As for the bearings, if they're the old spindle/ roller type, I'm just gonna repack and re-torque them baby's down for now. Thanks again for the replys. Keep 'em comin'! One more question, who do you guys recommend I get parts from? I usually just shoot to the nearest Auto Zone, Napa, Car quest, ect... Whom ever has the part I need and is closest. I'll be ordering parts off of the computer for a few more months. So if a certain store is known for having better parts, I'd like to give them a try.

 

[2revo1maxx]

Thanks fellows. The thing is, the bearings aren't shot yet, the ball joints probably. I've had the front end in the air and done some wiggle/crow bar testing. The ball joints have a tad bit of play; I forgot to mention them. The steering parts that are on the truck are in good shape; no play in the steering at all. The only funny thing about the steering is that it gets really light at center. I only had the truck aligned once after installing the lift parts so a set of ball joints and a 2nd alignment may do the trick for now. I'm pretty sure Ford didn't change the ttb out until '97 digger. We probably have the same suspension. As for the bearings, if they're the old spindle/ roller type, I'm just gonna repack and re-torque them baby's down for now. Thanks again for the replys. Keep 'em comin'! One more question, who do you guys recommend I get parts from? I usually just shoot to the nearest Auto Zone, Napa, Car quest, ect... Whom ever has the part I need and is closest. I'll be ordering parts off of the computer for a few more months. So if a certain store is known for having better parts, I'd like to give them a try.

LOL don't feel bad about losing your license either, I've lost mine 13 times, and been caught driving without one 7 times. Luckily I finally did get my crap together, my license/insurance record as of december is clean for the first time since I was 16.

 

[Metalhead Matt]

The worst damn thing is not having a way to a proper job. But, with the drinking problem I had, I needed the time in the woods. Cuttin' trees down and thinking about my dumbass-choices have been good therapy. In the end, nobody was injured and I got 'er under control. Expensive lessen learned. Half the reason I don't know anything about the front end on this truck is because I hardly remember working on it! Wasted all the time. All I've done for the last 2 years is start it once a week, let it warm up, clear it out and shut 'er down. Bomb up and down the driveway every once in a while to knock the rust of the breaks. It only has 105,000 miles on it. Runs great. Tranny's sloppy as hell, but I had a clutch put in it not too long ago. Everything should come back apart easy enough when I swap it out.

 

[2revo1maxx]

The worst damn thing is not having a way to a proper job. But, with the drinking problem I had, I needed the time in the woods. Cuttin' trees down and thinking about my dumbass-choices have been good therapy. In the end, nobody was injured and I got 'er under control. Expensive lessen learned. Half the reason I don't know anything about the front end on this truck is because I hardly remember working on it! Wasted all the time. All I've done for the last 2 years is start it once a week, let it warm up, clear it out and shut 'er down. Bomb up and down the driveway every once in a while to knock the rust of the breaks. It only has 105,000 miles on it. Runs great. Tranny's sloppy as hell, but I had a clutch put in it not too long ago. Everything should come back apart easy enough when I swap it out.

I had similar problems myself, just ALOT more expensive. I went from less than nothing to more than enough in just over 2 years of 100% clean time. I owe some of it to my old lady and her father, but I did the work. The desire to use is one thing, but you have to change your people, places, and things too. I had alot of 'friends' back then, but they weren't all my friends. If you think you're strong enough to hang out with one of your drinkin buddies someday be ready for the 'offer'. It will happen and you'll have to choose. You're better of avoiding the 'offer' all together...IMO. I still can't believe how good it feels to make my own way in life, to not be 'under someone's thumb' so to speak. I lived with friends and bummed rides to work and moved here and there, it SUCKED. I answer to my woman and my boss and that's it!! No more looking over my shoulder or following my friend's house rules etc. Anyway, I hope it all works out for ya....Just depends on how bad you want it.

 

[Metalhead Matt]

I hear ya man. I've been clean for 2 years. Avoiding the old environment is crucial. All it really took for me was giving sobriety a fair chance. And as you said, counting on others to pick up your pieces was an embarrassing way to live. I should have had my ass kicked many times for bein' blacked out and mean as hell. Like you say, you just have to want it and be willing to put the work in. Good habits form the same as bad ones. They're just harder to get started. Looks like we got a bit off topic! I enjoy talking about addiction, though. I don't push anything on anybody, as far as not drinking and what not. But if someone has a problem, maybe they can take a bit of what I, or others that have been there, say and see that it's not a hopeless situation. What is hopeless though is expecting my truck to hold up to 33's with a tranny that pops out of 1st and 3rd with 27's on it!

 

[digger]

Mine was gone 14 years almost to the day. Could've got them back a lot sooner, just didn't need them.
40 yr. old man taking a learner's permit and then the driving test...

'Ol lady had a blast with that one. When I got the learner's she told me I could go anywhere I wanted to...
As long as I had somebody over 21 with me.
I'm not sober, but all my driving is done before I take the first drink. Been 2yrs since I was in a bar? (Got 2 of them about 1/2 a mile away.) My son and I walked. Had a few beers, and walked back home.


Only part's I've ordered on-line was from Summit. Tune up on the 302.
Plugs, cap and rotor button, wires, and a coil. I saved $30 (that's including shipping.) Was real happy with their service. About 3 days to get here?

 

[2revo1maxx]

I hear ya man. I've been clean for 2 years. Avoiding the old environment is crucial. All it really took for me was giving sobriety a fair chance. And as you said, counting on others to pick up your pieces was an embarrassing way to live. I should have had my ass kicked many times for bein' blacked out and mean as hell. Like you say, you just have to want it and be willing to put the work in. Good habits form the same as bad ones. They're just harder to get started. Looks like we got a bit off topic! I enjoy talking about addiction, though. I don't push anything on anybody, as far as not drinking and what not. But if someone has a problem, maybe they can take a bit of what I, or others that have been there, say and see that it's not a hopeless situation. What is hopeless though is expecting my truck to hold up to 33's with a tranny that pops out of 1st and 3rd with 27's on it!

Yeah Matt I never want to sound like Mr. awesome when I talk about my addictions, I'm very humbled by it all. I know I could slip at any moment. I just try to tell people what works for me. I know you don't think I'm trying to brag about two years clean, but sometimes people think I am bragging. Almost like they think I'm looking down on them. Those are the people who are afraid to change. I know I was, but I just had to force myself and after about a month it became easier. Keep it up there's so much more to live for (like RC). Oh yeah, good luck with the ranger, any working vehicle is a good thing. Sounds like 1st and 3rd are stripped a little bit.

 

[pyro29123]

you talkin about the spindle nut arent you? i would pull the wheel and all an check it my buddy has a 92 yota 4x4 and we didnt need any special tools when we broke one of the cv's. but goodluck