Genuine 1987 Mazda B2000 Ball Joint

1987 Mazda B2000 Ball Joint Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to remove and install the ball joint for 4-wheel drive front suspension on 1987 Mazda B2000?

  A: To fit and replace the parts, you have to start by lifting and propping the front part on the jackstands below the frame, and then take the wheel off. Then remove the cotter pin and nut of the lower ball joint, the lower shock absorber bolt. Before removing the anchor arm bolts and anchor swivel matchmark them and matchmark the torsion bar with the anchor arm and torque plate as well. Take off the anchor arm and the torsion bar of the torque plate, unbolt and remove the torque plate. Unscrew the tension rod of the lower arm and frame with a bushing puller/installer, and remove the lower arm and frame bracket with a bushing puller/installer. Be cautious, when adjusting the double nut in the back of the tension rod bushing, caster is dependent on the position. Keep the stabilizer bar and its parts remove then attach a ball joint separator to the joint on the bottom and dismantle the lower control arm. Examine wear or damage of all parts, change any suspect parts and test the preload of ball joint using a spring scale, where it should show 39.6 lb. or less when shaken after shaking ball joint stud. Unscrew the ball joint on the lower arm and install a new ball joint and screw the nuts to 70 ft. lbs. Re-fit the lower arm to the frame bracket and screw the nut to 115 ft. lbs. then position the torque plate, screw the bolt to 68 ft. lbs., and grease the splines of the torsion bar with lithium-based wheel bearing grease, being careful to place the matchmarks into position. Repeat greasing procedure with the torsion bar splines and matchmarks and fit the anchor arm. Attach the tension rod by tightening the anchor bolt and swiveling until both the matchmarks align, and then attach the stabilizer bar and then tighten the bolt to 19 ft. lbs., then the lower arm end bolt to 55-59 ft. lbs. Lastly, fit the wheels back on, lower the truck, retorque the lower arm-to-frame bracket nut, inspect the inflated tire pressure on the front and rear tires, and adjust the ride height accordingly, making sure that there is not more than a 10mm (0.394 in.) difference between the right and left sides. In case of matchmarks loss or separate torsion bar installed, align the anchor arm on the torsion bar with a certain distance between lowest point and the cross member then tighten the anchor bolt until it touches the swivel and provide an extra certain traveling distance.