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Dodge Dakota
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5/20/2009
12:22:17
|  RE: bushings 92 dakota
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randy,
The only way to do it is to remove the control arms, press the old ones out, then press the new ones in. Using an arbor press is the best way to get them in and out.
If you are wanting to save some labor costs and have the tools and skills, one option is:
-Remove the control arms yourself... take just the arms to a shop and have the bushings swapped...then re-install them yourself.
Another option includes getting the tools, i. e.: a pickle fork and maybe a hand held bushing replacement tool(...kinda looks like a "C"-clamp) from one of the parts stores. Advance Auto not only will loan you specialty tools for a particular job, but will also provide print-outs of how to change a particular part.
If you do this on your own, a couple things to note:
BEFORE YOU TEAR INTO IT:
- Note (approximately) where everything is positioned (chalk marks, pictures) so that when you put it back together you can get (approximately) 'close' to aligned. Then you can drive it to an alignment shop to get it dialed in.
- Unload the tension on the torsion bars before taking anything apart!!
- The brake line bracket needs to be unbolted on the front of the control arm.
- Put something under the lower control arm so it does not slam the floor (or your foot) when the upper ball joint separates.
- Use a 'Pickle fork' for the upper ball joints. Or, you might get by just tapping the spindle to get them to drop (separate) from the upper control arms.
- The pivot rod (don't know if that is the technical name) needs to have both nuts off in order to get it out (don't remember if it comes out the back or front). Also need both bolts out that set tow-in / tow-out.
Once you have put everything back together, Don't forget to re-load the torsion bars before driving it.
It's not that it's hard, it's just more down time if you decide to do it yourself. A quick call to a local alignment shop asking about the price differences may help you decide what you are willing to do.
Hope this helps.
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Subject: bushings 92 dakota