Lower & Upper Ball Joint
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1997 Ford Ranger and 1996 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Raise and support vehicle under axle. Move lower edge of tire in and out while watching lower spindle arm and lower part of axle jaw. If movement exceeds 1/32" (.8 mm), replace lower ball joint. To check upper ball joint, move upper edge of tire in and out. If movement between upper spindle arm and upper axle exceeds 1/32" (.8 mm), replace upper ball joint.