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Garry
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2005
23:08:08
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 Subject: Ball joint problem
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Message:
Ive recently encountered a problem with my ball joints in my 1999 4x4 Dodge Dakota V8. I took it to the dealer and they said it would cost me $1300 to fix. At this very moment, my truck is in the shop getting it replaced. I decided to check out this problem and came across the article of the recall because of this problem. Anyway, I read somewhere that it only covered models between the years of 2000-2004, is this really the case? If not, how can I report this or get it covered by dodge. Please let me know, I can this is costing me an arm and a leg to replace. Thx.
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JasK
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2005
23:15:24
| RE: Ball joint problem
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Message:
Which ball joints, upper or lower? How many miles? The lowers on my 97 went 4 times in 50k miles before I traded it in. I really loved that truck and I still regret trading it in but I saw the future and it didn't look too rosey.
Welcome to Dakota country. I'm surprised you have any limbs left to pay for repairs ;<). All things considered, though, it's still a damn fine vehicle and way more practical for me than a full size or a mini pick up.
Keep in mind too that stealerships specialize in bending you over and draining your wallet through your bum cavity. The price seems high but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.
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Garry
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2005
23:37:49
| RE: Ball joint problem
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Message:
I have 109k miles. Both ther upper and lower ball joints have gone out actually. Those, along with the Idler arm had to be replaced.
My idler arm was actually going upward and hitting the frame of my truck. When I heard the clunking sound from the inside I decided to take it in to the shop. When they got it up on the lift, it was amazing how much play there was in the tires, I could actually move them in every direction with the trucks ignition off.
I also didnt actually get it done at the dealer. The dealerships pricing was actually double the price I listed. I took it to Express Tires where they worked with me on that price. I figured while I was at it, i'd just get a new set of Rancho shocks as well, theyve never been replaced. I cant wait to try them out.
Anyway...does the recall only apply to Dakota's 2000 and up? Thx
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JasK
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2005
00:13:30
| RE: Ball joint problem
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It sounds like you're doing alright then. I learned the hard way about my 5 Star Dealer when they charged me full labor for changing the serpentine belt when they changed the water pump. They basically told me, "tough luck".
But back to your truck, I'm not sure about the warranty but 109k on those front ends is fantastic. Sounds too like you caught it just in time.
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Garry
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2005
00:26:06
| RE: Ball joint problem
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I almost actually traded the truck in, for a car (oh god). But now that I hear about all the dakota's from this time period having these ball joint problems, I know that I made the right decision in saving it. Cant wait to test out my new shocks too.
Well...Im still gona look into the recall, maybe Dodge could help me out, if they want to keep my business in the future. Thx JasK
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WardenJ
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2005
02:14:03
| RE: Ball joint problem
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Garry:
I'm fairly certain the recall only applies to 2000-up Dakotas. Interesting since nothing changed about the balljoints between 97 and probably 2004. I have a 99 4X4 and mine went somewhere in the 60,000 mile area. I replaced them with Moog joints to avoid whatever Dodge puts in. I heard they just replace the control arm assembly so you end up with new joints, but they're of the same non greasable design as what they took out. Hopefully they improved upon the design when they put out the recall.
You definitely made the right decision in saving your truck. Every vehicle will have its pet issues, but at least for me, none fits the niche as well as my truck. Enjoy it!
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ExDakota
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2005
14:33:01
| RE: Ball joint problem
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To answer your question, yes, the recall only covers from 2000 model year. They definitely didn't recall all of the affected vehicles.
As for contacting Dodge to see if they will help to keep you as a customer, then I hope you have better luck than I did. They're basically going to tell you how much the quality has improved since the Daimler merger and wish you luck.
This is why I no longer drive a Dodge.
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MStephens
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2005
15:59:13
| RE: Ball joint problem
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Rats! Why can't I find a customer like you? $1200 for ball joints. You are generous indeed.
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