[bobs rt]

does any know if you have to change ball joints on project 1999 upper/lower control arms to 03' 04' spindale my question is what year ball joint to use

:huh::dontget:thanks

I dont think the 03/04 ball joint will mount up to our control arms. I'm pretty sure our 99 ball joints will work just fine with the spindles.

 

[drew4406]

thank you bob r/t that's what i needed before spending money at a wreaking yard. $ are a little on the short side
now the hunt begins

 

[last_in]

Ok, thanks for the heads up. I haven't bought the tierod ends yet but i was going to because i am rebuilding the entire front end when i do the swap. Just for clarification you are saying get 00-04 ends or just new 99 ends ?

Yes, make sure you get 00-04 ends. I had to go back and buy them after I bought new ones already.

 

[bobs rt]

cool thanks

 

[Charlie27]

Hello - new to the forum. I’m in the middle of the 03/04 brake swap onto a 1999 Dakota 4x4. The 03/04 brake parts are from a 03 4x4 Durango. I’ve run into the tie rod end issue. I purchased 2003 tie rods ends but the female tread side to the inner tie rod is larger in diameter than the 1999. Anyone with a 1999 - what specific tie rod end is used for proper fitment.

 

[Larry R]

I recently did this swap on my 02 Dakota. Luckily I already had 16 inch wheels. I got the rotors, calipers spindles from a junk yard. I purchased new 03-04 brake lines from Rock Auto. I had recently rebuilt the front end of my truck so I had new bushings and ball joints. I got rebuilt calipers and new pads but was able to re-use the rotors as they were not grooved and in spec. It all bolted up without any problems. A really nice upgrade for the brakes.

 

[Charlie27]

Larry - glad to hear it bolted right up for you. For the 1999 that I have there were definitely differences in the pin size diameter on the lower ball joint (a millimeter or so) and differences in the tie rods set up. The upper ball joint pins and spindle seat measures the same. Anyone with a 1999, feel free to message me if you have questions. Definitely worth the time/effort. Much improved.

 

[James Thomas 1313]

I recently did this swap on my 02 Dakota. Luckily I already had 16 inch wheels. I got the rotors, calipers spindles from a junk yard. I purchased new 03-04 brake lines from Rock Auto. I had recently rebuilt the front end of my truck so I had new bushings and ball joints. I got rebuilt calipers and new pads but was able to re-use the rotors as they were not grooved and in spec. It all bolted up without any problems. A really nice upgrade for the brakes.

Hello,

I know this post is several years old but I’m hoping this still gets to you. Did you have to buy brake lines to run all the way to the master cylinder? Or do you just need lines from the caliper to the wheel well connection point? Thanks in advance.

 

[Larry R]

Hello,

I know this post is several years old but I’m hoping this still gets to you. Did you have to buy brake lines to run all the way to the master cylinder? Or do you just need lines from the caliper to the wheel well connection point? Thanks in advance.

Just the lines from the connection point near the wheel. I got my lines from Rock Auto
Good luck, it is a worthwhile upgrade.

 

[James Thomas 1313]

Just the lines from the connection point near the wheel. I got my lines from Rock Auto
Good luck, it is a worthwhile upgrade.

Very much appreciated thank you.

 

[9t9-5.2]

03 Durango on a 99 Dakota. The knuckles bolted right up to the Dakota ball joints & tie rod ends. The front end was in proper alignment before the swap, with the new parts bolted up it was massively out of alignment, different geometry for sure between the two. Once I had it aligned, the truck has never driven so well, tracks great, very stable.

 

[radioactive]

How the hell is your truck so clean underneath?

 

[9t9-5.2]

How the hell is your truck so clean underneath?

I hasn't been daily driven or seen a winter since 2003 and lots of detailing.