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brad
Dodge Dakota
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5/05/2004
00:04:27
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 Subject: dakota lower ball joints
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i have a 2000 dodge dakota 4x4, my front end is really clunking bad when i turn. i want to do this project myself to save some bucks, the dealer wants to charge me about $800, and of course MOOG ball joints are only $45 a piece! the upper ball joints look east to do, now dous anyone have a easy process for the lower joints? i can rent a ball joint press from autozone, but where do i start?? how do i remove brake rotor, front end drive etc. to get at lower ball to press out? any suggestios would be great! thanks!
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Evan
Dodge Dakota
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5/05/2004
17:05:04
| RE: dakota lower ball joints
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brad, after all the obvious stuff(jack stands,wheel removal etc..) remove the brake caliper bolts with a #45 or 50 Torx and swing the caliper out. Remove the disk by pulling away from hub.Remove the axle nut. Remove the nuts on balljoints and break them loose with a pickle fork. Lift hub assy away tapping axle with plastic hammer if nessecary. Now the ball joints should be easily accessable with the press. Reinstall parts and torque to spec. Might as well replace the uppers while you are in there as they seem to wear just as quick. Hope this helps, Evan dakotaparts.com
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Jamess30
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2004
16:20:10
|  RE: dakota lower ball joints
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BE Sure that you loosen the hub nut while it is still on the ground, 32mm or 35mm. Easier with impact air tools, real pain by hand.
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Evan
Dodge Dakota
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5/06/2004
16:49:41
| RE: dakota lower ball joints
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OOPS! I forgot that not everyone has air tools and a zillion dollars of Snap On tools. Hope this helps, its not to hard of a job if you have any mechanical know how.Feel free to e-mail me if you have any problems with it. Evan sales@dakotaparts.com or www.dakotaparts.com
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Whit
Dodge Dakota
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5/12/2004
11:51:05
| RE: dakota lower ball joints
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I also have a 2000 Dakota 4x4 (quad cab) with front end problems. Both front axles and intermediate shafts had to be replaced last month along with diff. output seals. Thing is, all that work STILL did not get rid of the clunking sounds and the popping sounds when you turn. Any thoughts?
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Evan
Dodge Dakota
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5/12/2004
12:14:32
| RE: dakota lower ball joints
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Whit, did they check the balljoints? How about the rack and pinion? Some of the 318/360 trucks have the problems with control arm bushings due to exhaust manifold heat breaking down the rubber bushings causing a clunk. Have somone turn the wheel back and forth SLOWLY while you watch for any play or movment in the front end. Why did you have to replace the axles and seals, that is not a common problem? Do you have a lift kit? That is the only thing I have ever seen cause CV failure and seal probs...need more info to help you further....Evan www.dakotaparts.com
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Whit
Dodge Dakota
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5/12/2004
12:37:52
| RE: dakota lower ball joints
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There was water intrusion b/t the interm. shaft and the drive axle, think the o-rings failed or where never there. Led to lots of corrosion and failure of the bearings on the interm. shafts, which led to a wobble, which caused the output seals to fail. At least that is what happened as best the mechanic and I can figure. There is no lift kit, running 31" AT tires, nothing out of the ordinary. I had a mechanic do the pry bar test on the front suspension components and he could not find anything loose. I am trying to get Dodge to reimbuse some $$ for the parts and labor (I complained to dealers three times over three years about the front end - could not find the problem). Wish me luck
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Kevin
Dodge Dakota
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5/12/2004
14:15:02
| RE: dakota lower ball joints
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Uh...I almost attempted the ball joint replacement myself, until I called around town and found that Big-O tires will replace the uppers and lowers for $90 per side...
That's a whopping grand total of only $180 for labor. Throw in the $180 for the Moog replacement ball joints and you end up with a nice round $360 for parts AND labor.
Hell, I couldn't even have bought half the tools needed to do this job for $180. Big-O did an excellent job replacing the ball joints, and they will warranty their work.
Give em a try if there is one in your town.
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Evan
Dodge Dakota
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5/12/2004
15:07:02
| RE: dakota lower ball joints
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Whit, Dealing with Dodge is a pain in the arse! They don't seem to care about their customers at all. As far as your truck, don't rely on the prybar test, lay in front of it and have somone turn the wheel, listen for the clunk and it will be obvious...your trucks tires turning on pavment will put more pressure on the suspension that a whole dealership of mechanics with prybars! Get the wife, girlfriend, kids or dog to turn the wheel back and forth slowly in the driveway and use a flashlight to look closely and listen for noises/or loose components at all critical joints and bushings, you will find it no problem. Hope this helps, Evan www.dakotaparts.com
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