I need to replace most of the front suspension on a 2004 Ford Ranger 4x4 that I recently purchased, and I'm looking for recommendations for how to keep this kinda cheap, but not too cheap. I've seen 8-12 pc kits on Amazon and elsewhere for around $100, and frankly that seems "too good to be true" or at least, too cheap to be good. Maybe I'm wrong.
Some information that might be important.
1. this truck is not a daily driver, I bought it for those times when I need to haul something or move something. Probably 3K per year max, 4 at the outside.
2. It's a 4x4, which will be nice this winter, but I don't intend to do any off roading or anything like that with it. I don't need heavy duty or premium parts for that purpose.
3. Torsion bars, not coil springs.
4. Passenger side Control Arm is the one piece, so I assume I should stick with that.
5. I don't want to lower it, lift it, or anything like that.
Just by my own checking, I need to replace all 4 ball joints (at least 3 are bad, the passenger upper I'm not sure), the left outer tie rod end (did the right already), and the sway bar links look pretty rusty. Inner tie rod end on the right seemed solid, I haven't checked the left yet but I already have that if I get into it and it is bad.
I'm open to a "kit" if there's one that is worthwhile, and I'm open to ordering parts separately from different manufacturers if that's what BITOG recommends. I tried shopping a bit on Rock Auto, and realized I don't know enough about either the quality of the components I'm looking at or about my own needs to make intelligent choices. I know I could just go all Moog, and I'd be fine, but I have a feeling I'd be paying for more than I actually need.
So, can I get a little help?
Some information that might be important.
1. this truck is not a daily driver, I bought it for those times when I need to haul something or move something. Probably 3K per year max, 4 at the outside.
2. It's a 4x4, which will be nice this winter, but I don't intend to do any off roading or anything like that with it. I don't need heavy duty or premium parts for that purpose.
3. Torsion bars, not coil springs.
4. Passenger side Control Arm is the one piece, so I assume I should stick with that.
5. I don't want to lower it, lift it, or anything like that.
Just by my own checking, I need to replace all 4 ball joints (at least 3 are bad, the passenger upper I'm not sure), the left outer tie rod end (did the right already), and the sway bar links look pretty rusty. Inner tie rod end on the right seemed solid, I haven't checked the left yet but I already have that if I get into it and it is bad.
I'm open to a "kit" if there's one that is worthwhile, and I'm open to ordering parts separately from different manufacturers if that's what BITOG recommends. I tried shopping a bit on Rock Auto, and realized I don't know enough about either the quality of the components I'm looking at or about my own needs to make intelligent choices. I know I could just go all Moog, and I'd be fine, but I have a feeling I'd be paying for more than I actually need.
So, can I get a little help?