Dorman 539-982 Suspension Ball Joint - Front Upper

Dorman 539-982 Front Upper Ball Joint

Dorman 539-982 is a threaded, press-in suspension ball joint built for front upper applications on select Ford, Mazda, and Mercury vehicles. It is precision-engineered and tested as a direct replacement for the original equipment design on the listed fitments, including Ford Ranger, Mazda B4000, and Ford Explorer models.

Key Features

• Threaded suspension ball joint for front upper installation
• Press-in mounting type for the specified control arm applications
• Steel construction with a grey finish
• Dust boot included with polychloroprene boot material
• Greaseable design for serviceability
• Premium suspension grade type
• Tapered stud design with 12 mm wrench size
• Mounting hardware included

Detailed Description

This Dorman suspension ball joint, part number 539-982, is designed for front upper use on vehicles that require a press-in, threaded-style replacement. It is listed for 1995-2001 Ford Explorer, 1998-2012 Ford Ranger, 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 2001-2003 Ford Explorer Sport, 1997-2001 Mercury Mountaineer, and select Mazda B-series trucks including B4000, B3000, and B2500. Fitment notes specify that it will not fit original control arms on the listed applications.

The steel body, tapered stud, and included dust boot support a durable OE-style repair for worn front suspension joints. If you are replacing a front upper ball joint on a Ford Ranger or Mazda B4000, Dorman 539-982 provides a direct-fit service part for the specified control arm setup. This part cross-references QuickSteer K80012 for the same application.

Common Repair Symptoms

• Front-end looseness or play at the upper control arm
• Clunking or popping noises over bumps and during steering input
• Uneven tire wear related to suspension joint wear
• Steering wander or reduced directional stability
• Visible boot damage or grease loss at the ball joint

Installation Notes

Confirm the vehicle’s control arm design before ordering, since the fitment notes state this part will not fit original control arms. This is a front upper ball joint with press-in mounting, so proper suspension service tools and alignment procedures are recommended after installation. Verify the tapered stud, thread style, and dimensions against the original part before assembly.

Quality Assurance

Dorman states this replacement ball joint is precision-engineered and rigorously tested to provide reliable OE-style service on the listed vehicles. The part number is 539-982.