How to Replace Upper Control Arm 98-11 Ford Ranger

Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Ford Ranger

Replace an upper control arm on a 1998–2011 Ford Ranger, preserving the eccentric alignment plates and reconnecting the vacuum lines behind the wheel liner.

Steps

1. Raise the vehicle and remove the wheel

   Loosen the lug nuts, raise the truck, and support it securely on stands. Remove the wheel and keep the alignment eccentric plates in their original orientation.

2. Separate the control arm from the spindle

   Remove the ball-joint pinch fastener and separate the joint from the spindle with a suitable fork. Avoid damaging the ball-joint boot, brake hose, or ABS wiring.

3. Move the inner fender liner

   Remove the mud flap and wheel-liner retainers. Move the liner aside and disconnect the vacuum lines from their reservoir so the upper control-arm pivots are accessible.

4. Remove the old control arm

   Mark the position of both eccentric plates before removing their bolts. Support the arm as the bolts come out and lower it from the frame mounts.

5. Install the replacement arm

   Position the new arm and reinstall the eccentric plates in the marked orientation. Start the pivot bolts and ball-joint connection by hand, then tighten the joint fastener to specification.

6. Tighten pivots and restore the liner

   Support the suspension near ride height before tightening the pivot bolts to specification. Reconnect the vacuum lines, refit the liner and mud flap, then reinstall the wheel.

7. Lower and align the vehicle

   Lower the truck and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Have the front alignment checked promptly because control-arm replacement changes suspension geometry.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.