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UWGriz
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/24/2002
12:21:36
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 Subject: RE: Ball Joints
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Knobby
Actual email sent to me by a friend who works at Jeep shortly after the launch of the Liberty...
OK fellas, as a barely satisified employee of DiamlerChrysler's JEEP division, I'm going to have to ask that you stop slamming the new Liberty. The corporate view is that it's just as Jeep as your YJ or CJ or Willys ever was, as evidenced by the round headlights, seven vertical grille bars, and trapezoidal wheel openings. If that doesn't say Jeep, I don't know what does!!!
I'll tell the story... When the engineers from large car transferred to Jeep division, they immediately saw the need to replace the old
antiquated XJ series (A 15 year old design, imagine if we still built a K-car!) with something for the new "Jeeper". (Something that said "Hey!" instead of "Hi!") They immediately set to work developing the best Inferior Front Suspension system ever devised. Then they saw how much the hard core Jeepers liked the WJ, so they copied the WJ rear suspension so that the new Jeep would be the best of both worlds. The inside was styled for the times, with "roundy" being the enabling theme. The engines were created based on our best front wheel drive offerings, with lots of horsepower to brag about so people will think their Jeep is really
fast.
The end result is the latest Jeep in a long standing legacy of great products. It will do almost anything a Jeeper can throw at it, from rain, to snowy Kroger parking lots, to gravel roads "up north". I'm sure some day everyone will know what a Liberty is. Just like they know what a K-car is. And they will say "Man, transferring all those car guys in was the best thing that's ever happened to Jeep." And zey vill love us.
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Knobbyman
*GenIII*
 
9/24/2002
13:06:13
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
LoL ahh yes.. I was almost one of those "Big Car Guys". I had the opertunity to intern over there but being a stupid kid I passed on the opertunity.
'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
6" Suspension Lift
305x70x16 GoodYear MT/R's
http://www.knobbyman.com
----Speed only breaks it faster----
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Jon
Dodge Dakota
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9/25/2002
12:33:06
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
Knobbyman,
Is your DAK a 00 or 01? Your post says 00 but your signature has 01. I have an 01 4.7 EXT CAB with bad ball joints and I was looking to replace them with MOOG's that are for the 99's. I've read alot of the threads on ball joints and you seem to be the only person with a 00 or 01 that has replaced them.
Thanks.
Jon P.
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Jon
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/25/2002
13:05:49
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
Sorry Knobbyman, I just realized you were reposting what Gunboat had stated. I was trying to see if anyone had replaced the balljoints on their 01 with the MOOG's that for the 99's. Thanks.
Jon P.
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SGB - DURANGO
Dodge Dakota
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10/17/2002
09:18:42
|  RE: Ball Joints
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This what I wrote to DOT, Channel 9 and 5 News here in Jersey City, NJ. Hopefully somebody get the ball rolling on DC doing an recall on there products.
Somebody needs to look into the Dodge Durango and Dakota. The Durango, had problems from the time it rolled into the public eyes.
The owner and there dealers notify DiemerChrysler (DC) of the problems. DC has issued TSP reports about these problems, but not a recall, so they know the vehicle problems exist.
Example of several safety issues:
1. The ball joints on these vehicle are prematurely going bad as early as 10000 mile on these vehicles,
2. The rear transfer unit has problems; the unit started this whine noise and lock up,
3. The steering lock-up
4. The the drive seat has an slight rocking motion, which can lift you foot off the gas padel upon acceleration and press the brake to hard upon braking.
The reason accidents haven’t happen with these trucks is because, the owners love the style of these vehicles and don't want to run it down into the ground. The slightest noise the owner fixes it.
Those DC want to lose all there customer and millions of dollars, because they don't want to come clean and make better parts for these truck.
So far, I had two (2) of the above problems; the ball joints replace two (3) time, including the replacement I'm having done this weekend and my truck only have 53087 miles (NO OFF-ROAD). The rear transfer unit was overhaul at 50097 miles. Some owner replaced the above mention part more than four times, especially the ball joints. Which is dangerous for the driver and occupants, if the owner really don't know how bad there ball joints are. I mean we can fail vehicle inspection, if the ball joints are bad and many of us do.
We have to replace the parts ourselves, with after-market product, because first of all the after-market part are 4 times cheaper the DC OEM part and second they are better than DC product. How is an after-market item is better than the OEM part, like the MOOGS ball joint for the Durango are greaseable. BUT the Durango OEM is not, for the main reason they fail so fast. DC should have thought about this when they made them.
We as owners, take very good care of our vehicles and they should not have these many defects after buying them NEW. Some of the owners are used, because, the original owner got tried of fixing the truck. The truck is in the shop more than it is on the road. Having a $524.00 month payment, some are more, we should not have to pay to keep the truck running.
There are many other owners that have these problems, the website it www.dodgedakota.com. This is where we go and vent our frustration out about these vehicles. DC is waiting till somebody died, before they get jumping on the problems. They get sued for millions and then have a millons+ to do a vehicle recall. They could just save the first millions and use the second million+ and keep their customers happy.
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born2steel21
GenIII
10/17/2002
17:23:21
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
nice!!! Just forgot to tell them about the rotors.
-- Death Before Dismount --
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SGB DURANGO
Dodge Dakota
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10/18/2002
08:26:49
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
This is the response I got back from DC. Just a damn shame how that just brush there customers off.
If enough people flood there local news channels and those automobile magazine. The word will get out about DC product.
Dear Steven,
Thank you for your recent email to DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation regarding your 1998 Durango.
I regret your dissatisfaction in your DaimlerChrysler product, or quality of your product, and appreciate the time and effort you took to bring this matter to my attention. Comments like yours are one way to learn of problems that may develop and improvements desired by customers. The information received is used in product development and quality analysis.
DaimlerChrysler Motors Corporation has made tremendous gains in customer satisfaction and vehicle quality. Apparently, your expectations have not been met. Please accept my apology for the problems you have experienced.
Thank you for sharing your concerns.
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LarryLA
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/30/2002
18:36:59
| RE: Ball Joints
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Interesting site and thread.
I own a 97 Dakota 4X4. In 65,000 miles I have had 5 ball joints, two sets of rotors and one front well bearing replaced. The driver's side bottom ball joint was loose from Day 1.The First rotors went at 14,000 miles.
This is unbelievable. The Chevy pickup I previously owned had 180,000 miles on the ball joints, wheel bearings and rotors and were still fine. The upper ball joint on the Dakota looks like something off a Honda. It is too dinky for a 4X4 truck that comes with large tires and wheels.
The auto-trans has never shifted correctly and I finally gave up with Dodge correcting the problem.
If I off-roaded this truck, I could understand it but it's a commuter vehicle used a few times in the winter to go skiing.
The odd thing about the truck is how well the body and interior are holding up. It is as solid and quiet as when new. They cheapened the things up that you can't see.
I still love the looks of this truck but it is the last Chrysler product I will buy unless Mercedes deceides to straighten out their engineering, manufacturing and customer service mess.
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Jason
Dodge Dakota
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10/31/2002
23:14:10
| RE: Ball Joints
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I just had my 2001 Dakota 4x4 in today. Right Side upper and lower ball joints JUNK, Rotors and Pads Junk. Clock Spring in column needs replaced. And the panel the power window/locks are needs replaced. I had it to 3 dealerships, all told me everything was fine, and they could not find anything.
The new rotors and Pads $305.00/tx
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Chaximus
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/07/2002
00:05:50
| RE: Ball Joints
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Upper ball joints gone and replaced with chevy joints.....rotors replaced twice....brake pads replaced.....grrr...only 31k miles on mine.
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MADAKOTA
Dodge Dakota
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11/12/2002
16:00:13
| RE: Ball Joints
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I just recently purchased a 1999 Dakota, living in Massachusetts we have rather stringent laws when it comes to vehicle inspection. I had the deal I purchased the vehicle from, tell me my ball joints were fine. I took the vehicle to my own mechanic and I was informed my ball joints both upper and lower would not meet MA standards for vehicle inspection
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SGB DURANGO
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/13/2002
08:58:17
|  RE: Ball Joints
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TAKE THE VEHICLE THUR INSPECTION AND IF THE TRUCK FAILED, THE DEALER HAVE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. HERE IN NEW JERSEY, IF WE PURCHASE A VEHICLE AND IT DO NOT PASS THE FIRST INSPECTION, THE DEALER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PART THAT FAIL INSPECTION.
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Joe
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/21/2002
10:35:14
|  RE: Ball Joints
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I have 2 new lower ball joints for 1997-1999 Durango and Dakota 4WD models. They are from MOOG (the good one's). They will not fit my 2000 model. It seems that DC increased the size of the tapered shaft for the 2000 lower. DC obviously tried (but failed) to fix the ball joint problem in the 2000 model......
New in the box. $70 for the set. Joerayven@hotmail.com
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BIGTYMER
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/08/2003
08:40:25
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
Ok, so every owner of a durango or dakota 4x4 has to replace the ball joints every 20-40K miles. I don't think i've seen one 4x4 not need them yet. So if every single person has to replace them why isn't there a massive recall on these things? Couldn't everyone contact the better business bureau or something?
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Timberwolf
GenIII
1/08/2003
11:20:21
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
OK, now I'm getting paranoid that my ball joints are bad. When I take off from a stop & when I come to a stop, it feels like something in the fron end is shifting. I can feel it through the steering, but the steering column is tight. Does this sound like BJ's or could it be something else?
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SGB DURANGO
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/08/2003
16:17:47
|  RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
GET YOU BALLS CHECK, HEY THAT DIDN'T SOUND RIGHT. BUT THAT CAN BE AN SERIOUS PROBLEM. I CHANGE MY TO THE MOOGS, A MUCH BETTER RIDE AND HANDLING. GET YOUR TRUCK BALL JOINTS CHECK AND CHANGE THEM EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT BAD YET. BUT THEY WILL SOON.
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SGB DURANGO
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/08/2003
16:39:14
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
I DID CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY OF TRANSPORTATION. TO NO AVAIL NOTHING, CHYSLER JUST BRUSH YOU OFF TO THE SIDE. SAYING SORRY ABOUT THE PROBLEM WE WILL KEEP IT IN THE FILES. BUT HEY THE BALL JOINTS BY MOOGS DON'T COST MUCH AND IT IS REALLY EASY TO CHANGE. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IT FILE OFF THE RIVET ON THE OLD BALL JOINT, BUT DON'T REPLACE THE RIVET WITH THE SCREWS THAT COME WITH THE MOOGS (TO WEAK). GO THE YOUR AUTO PART STORE GET ABOUT A SIZE AN A HALF BIGGER THAN THE ONE THAT COME WITH THE MOOGS. WHY YOU ARE THERE GET A BALL JOINT REMOVER TOOL ($15.00). UNSCREW THE BOLT AND REMOVE THE OLD BALL JOINT BY HAMMERING THE TOOL IN BETWEEN THE BALL JOINT AND THE UNIT. (DON'T KNOW THE NAME OF IT) BUT IT IS WHAT THE BALL JOINT SIT IN. WITH THE NEW JOINT PUT IN THE NEW BOLTS FROM AUTO PART STORE. TIGHTEN THE BOLTS THEN GET AN WHEEL ALIGNMENT. BUT MAKE SURE YOU REPLACE THE UNIT AS STRAIGHT AS POSSIBLE WHEN YOU INSTALL THE BALL JOINT. IT TOOK ME ABOUT TWO TO THREE HOURS. BUT NOW IT COLD IN NEW JERSEY. IF YOU ARE NEAR ME. TRY TO FIND SOMEBODY WITH AN GARGAGE AND DO IT IN THERE. HOPE THIS HELPS.
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Rick
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/28/2003
07:58:28
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
Does anyone know if you can use lower ball joints for a 98 Dakota 4X4 to replace lower ball joints on a 99 Dakota 4X4.
Thanks
myrnacapurna1@Hotmail.com
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farout
Dodge Dakota
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4/19/2003
00:54:56
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
My ball joints and upper control arms were bad at 17,000 miles. They finally replaced then at 34,000 after trying rubber bushings on the sway bar twice! I know of three 02 Quad Cabs 4x4 4.7 auto, that have had upper and lower control arms and ball joints replaced all around 25,00 to 34,000 miles. I am glad I did not have to pay for it! But take heart other brand trucks have their problems too, just different ones.
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ed
Dodge Dakota
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4/24/2003
17:00:43
| Ball Joints
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Message:
Can somebody help with what is the proper part number for MOOG replacement ball joints for 2000 4WD Dakota?
If U and L are available I would appreciate it.
thanks
ec
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Kyle
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/24/2003
18:59:50
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
2001 Dak CC 4x4 4.7l
Wheeled, Raced, Jumped, Rivered.
Only problem so far, bent drive shaft due to not enough clearance ($600)
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Dean
Dodge Dakota
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5/31/2003
10:14:56
|  RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
my 2002 dakota q cab... nice truck with chronic problems 29000 miles upper and lower balljoit noise , the right side was replaced once and 2000 miles later its making noise again just like the other side the dodge dealer in peterboro nh says that they are fine after checking it out ( i dont think so) also brake rotors pulsate ( dealer will do nothing), transfer case module has been replaced and truck hops and looses contact with the road on some mild to moderate bumps. I am not happy I guess its back to toyota for me!
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Paul
Dodge Dakota
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7/02/2003
17:53:45
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
My top Ball joint needs to be replace on my 2001 Durango. Truck has only 66,000 on it . My local garage was going to replace both sides top. THe problem he ran into was that he could not get a replacement part for it anywhere. Told me that the part eas backordered. Said when something like this happens it is usually for months. Can anyone tell me if any other part would fit a 2001
Durango.
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GLENN
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/09/2003
10:35:35
|  RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
ARE THERE AFTERMARKET UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AVAILABLE FOR A 2000 DAKOTA, IF SO WHAT IS THE PART NUMBER AND SUPPLIER, THANKS
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J.D. Leddon
Dodge Dakota
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7/10/2003
20:14:19
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
The new Liberty Jeeps are still ugly. Don't care how much time Chrysler put into redesigning them. The new Jeep will never take the place of the CJ5 or CJ7. As far as the new Jeep Liberty is concerned I wouldn't piss on one if it was on fire!!
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FredDQC
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/16/2003
17:52:15
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
I have a 00 qc 4wd and replaced the upper ball joints it used the same that the 98,99 4wd uses. Know the knocking is when I turn the wheel all the way and move foward or backwards there is a clunk and the tire moves funny like if it is hopping or shifting from side to side. My setting on the 4wd lever is 2wd so is not that. I don't know if is the lower joints that I have to replace also or another suspension part. Please help!!
I appreciate your help in advance.
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Signcutter21
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/21/2003
21:35:52
| RE: Ball Joints
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Hey all,
As a Liberty ownerjust passing through, I'm both glad I found this site and a bit disturbed. I just found out this weekend that my UBJ on the driver and lbj on the passenger sides are going out. Supposedly your Dakotas and my jeep have the same front set up. I haven't taken it to the dealer yet as I'm trying to get some info ready for their denial of the problem. Anyone had their Dak ubjs fixed under warranty? Could you shoot me an email so i can have some names of dealers that have fixed the problem. thanks for your help .
Signcutter21@hotmail
oh J.D., glad i'm not on fire, i hate piss on my shoes.
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Lee
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/23/2003
14:06:36
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
Timberwolf, try checking your steering rack bushings, my o1 quad did this exact thing, and rack bushings fixed it.
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justinmccan
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/28/2003
22:25:27
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
hey FredDQC, my 2000 dak did the same thing, i found the upper a-arm mount bolts were loose.
my upper ball joints are waisted but i'm not gonna replace them currently............Screw IT!
but check the bolts.
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Barbijone
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/30/2003
20:48:03
| RE: Ball Joints
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Message:
I have had my 2000 Durango: new front ball joints, two alignments, new front brakes, rear- differential serviced, new tires, new front shocks, re-built transmission twice, back window will not roll down nor will it autolock. Dealer says these are all normal everyday (cost over $5,000 total) and I must have missed these normal maintenance items HA HA! I hope something is done about this cute little money pit death trap. I am stuck with it and the high payments.-BOB
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