How difficult is?

[staverironbrand]

I've got a friend who owns a 2000 Ford Ranger 4x4 with the electronic four wheel drive, she needs the ball joints replaced. Are there any special considerations because of the electronics when replacing them? I've done this on older trucks, Broncos etc., just don't know about this one. If I can't, what is a fair price to pay a shop? She got a quote of $600, seemed a little high from what I've dealt with in the past. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance.

[CT18fireman]

The electronic four wheel drive has little to do with it. IMO if you have done ball joints in one 4x4 you can do them all. Might be a bit different sequence to remove parts but the job is basically the same. I am not sure what the parts cost is, but I have noticed simple parts getting more expensive on the newer vehicles. Dealers are always a bit high on labor as well.

[staverironbrand]

The parts were high compared to what I have bought in the past. Nothing gets cheaper....... Thanks for the help. The quote was from a local shop, (she lives in NC), where she bought tires. Even with the parts being as expensive as they are it seemed high.

[Pickering Snow]

You dont say in your post wether its both upper and lower and both sides , ford ranger and explorer use a upper balljoint and control arm assm which is expensive the lowers are reasonable has far has labor if infact this quote is for everything than thats a good price consider this has half shafts and hubs to disasemble and if lowers are done correctly you need a press i cant image doing that job for much less. Has far has how hard it is to do depends on what you feel comfortable with i have seen alot of dity balljoint jobs go south because the joints were beat in place not pressed guess sometimes and some jobs it pays to have it done.

[synner]

I've done uppers on my Mazda B series/Ford Ranger, they are a complete arm/ball joint and yeah they are expensive. Easy to replace though.

[staverironbrand]

Sounds like a lot of fun..... Thanks for the help guys!

[SIPLOWGUY]

I was about to comment but then realized that is the IFS front suspension...I never did them. Sorry I can't help!

[bolts indus.]

Lazer Man:

Sorry to but in guys. Lazer did you get anymore info?