Ford: Ball Joints(Lower) 99 Ranger 2wd.2.5L AC., lower ball joints, pickle fork

Question
I want to replace Lower Ball Joints on 99 Ranger 2wd.Have engine knowledge from the 60s/70s but not much on front end apps. I have basic tools except pickle fork/spring compressor. Can I get by without them? Im no newcomer to auto-mech. and dont mind getting my hands dirty. Need advice from someone whos been there  done that.Any advice would be very much appreciated..Thanks for your time/knowledge.

Answer
Hi,

you can get by without a pickle fork by hitting the area around the ball joint (hard), but you will need a spring compressor.  Alot of parts/ jobbers will have a rental/ loaner program.

The rest is about the same as all 60-70's cars except the upper ball joint comes as a arm assembly.