Dorman 538-385 Suspension Ball Joint - Front Lower

Dorman 538-385 Front Lower Ball Joint

Dorman 538-385 is a press-in suspension ball joint engineered as a direct replacement for the original equipment on select vehicles. It is built with a steel body, black dust boot, and standard replacement suspension grade for front-end service on the Ford Ranger.

Key Features

• Press-in suspension ball joint for front lower installation
• Steel construction with black finish
• Dust boot included with polychloroprene boot material
• Standard replacement suspension grade
• Ball joint assembly and mounting hardware included
• Tapered stud design with 21 mm wrench size
• Designed for 2013-2018 Ford Ranger front lower applications

Detailed Description

This Dorman suspension ball joint, part number 538-385, is precision-engineered and tested to replace the original equipment on specific applications. It is a press-in style front lower ball joint for the 2013-2018 Ford Ranger, built from steel and supplied with a dust boot to help protect the joint interface from road contamination. The tapered stud design and standard replacement construction support proper suspension service on the Ford Ranger front lower position. This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 172286, 182286) for the same application.

What It Helps Address

• Front suspension looseness or play at the lower ball joint
• Clunking or knocking from the front end over bumps
• Uneven tire wear related to worn suspension joints
• Steering instability or wandering caused by joint wear
• Restoration of proper front lower suspension articulation

Installation Notes and Tips

Fits 2013-2018 Ford Ranger, front lower. This is a press-in design, so the control arm and joint bore must be serviced with the correct press tools and procedures. Verify stud taper, mounting dimensions, and alignment after installation. The part number 538-385 should be matched to the vehicle application before service begins.

Quality Assurance

Dorman manufactures this ball joint as a tested replacement for OE fit and function on the listed application. The part number 538-385 is built to standard replacement specifications for service on the Ford Ranger front lower suspension.