[JohnG]

Nothing is mentioned in the instructions about the springs. Do you need a spring compresser as well to do the upper ball joints ?

 

[Rahhstah]

Nothing is mentioned in the instructions about the springs. Do you need a spring compresser as well to do the upper ball joints ?

Springs? What springs? There's no springs involved.

 

[rrob5382]

This thread is for 4x4, no coil springs

 

[POLLVX]

My recommendation for removal of the lower ball joint is not to grind it down. One can easily damage or shorten the top of the control arm. The easiest method is to use a hammer and chisel to knock the lip inward. This allows the joint to press out without grabbing the top of the control arm.

 

[dlemma]

Damn why couldnt I have found this yesterday when I did the ball joints on my truck. This would have saved me a world of trouble. but this did help me on seeing where and how to do the inner tie rod, now i can get the inner tie rods and replace those now.

 

[dlemma]

I just looked at my inner tie rods and there is a boot over it and the pics you guys posted show no boot on it. Will it hurt if I dont put the boot back after replacing the inner tie rods?

 

[Rahhstah]

If it had a boot to begin with, put a boot back on to end with.

 

[dlemma]

just wanted to make sure. I got the parts today probably gonna tackle it wednesday.

 

[98DurangoJoe]

so glad this thread exists lol, i am ordering all new ball joints and tie rod ends right now. then next week it's rear sway bar links.

thanks
joe

 

[kge420]

Just finished up a total rebuild of my front suspension using this guide. Perfect. My only deviation was that I bought a 12 ton press for the lower ball joint work. It made the pressing out and in of the ball joints and the bushings a breeze. Nice write up thanks.

 

[TazRango]

This awesome writeup has been given a home in the Tech Exchange so it won't get lost again! All photos have been attached inline to make it easier to follow. Much gracias to the original author!

http://www.dakota-durango.com/forum/showthread.php?t=162689

If someone would like to do one for the 2wd procedure, it would be welcome!

 

[Daugherty16]

It's already been said, but this is one awesome article. Not only did it give me reason to buy some nice new tools, but knowing what to expect before tearing the suspension apart was critical. Like gutting a deer for the first time - not impossible, but certainly easier if you got to watch someone else do it first.

 

[Robbins]

Great right up....do we have this for a 2wd 2002 Dakato?

 

[Dr. DeRangeo]

Toruque settings for front suspension components
for 2002 Dodge Durango 2WD

DM = Dodge Durango Manual (Sect-Page)
Shock
Upper nut 19 ft-lbs (DM 2-12)
Lower bolts 21 ft-lbs (DM 2-12)

Lower Suspension Arm
Front nut 130 ft-lbs (DM 2-12)
Rear nut 80 ft-lbs (DM 2-12)
Ball Joint nut 94 ft-lbs (DM 2-12)
Ball joint mount nuts (replaces rivets)
(25 f-lbs online, not official*)

Upper Suspension Arm
Pivot Shaft Nuts 130 f-lbs (DM 2-12)
Pivot Shaft to frame nuts 155 f-lbs (DM 2-12)
Ball Joint Nut 60 f-lbs (DM 2-12)
Ball Joint mount nuts (replaces rivets)
(25 f-lbs on line, not official*)

Stabilizer bar
Link upper nut 27 f-lbs (DM)
Link ball stud nut 35 f-lbs (DM)
Retainer bolds 45 f-lbs (DM)

Hub-Bearning
Spindle Nut 185 f-lbs (DM)

Tie Rod Ends
End Nut 80 ft-lbs (DM 19-11)
Jam Nut 5 ft-lbs (DM 19-11)

Lug Nuts
Lug Nuts 85-115 f-lbs (DM 22-11)

Brakes
Guide Pin bolts 22 f-lbs (DM 5-31)

* DM does not give a value because Dodge wants you to
replace the entire suspension arm rather than just
the ball joint.

 

[Old Trucker]

Just finished my 2000 Durango 4x4 front end, production dates of this year vehicle make a difference on some of the parts, like half axles. Thought I would pass on some parts link info while I'm here. Enjoyed looking at your work, wish I had thought to document mine... Detroit Axle - Brand New Complete 6-Piece Front Suspension Kit Dodge Dakota & Durango 4WD/4x4- 10-Year Warranty- All (4) Front Upper & Lower Ball Joints, Both Outer Tie Rod Ends... $46.20 Free Shipping

, XtremepowerUS 4-in-1 Ball Joint Service Auto Tool Set 2WD & 4WD Auto Repair Remover Installer Extractor Removal Mechanic Tool Kit.... $54.95 This is the one you need because it includes the 4 wheel drive adapters, I rented the whole thing at Orielly's

, Steering Rack & Pinion was from Parts Geek - A1 Cardone Steering Rack $136.73 with $105.00 core charge

When knocking out the bottom ball joints, I just popped the snap ring off, wired brushed the head of the joint, used small hand grinder to take down the outer edge a little, let it soak with penetrating oil for a couple of hours, took a hammer that fit inside the diameter of the joint and another large hammer to hit it with, 8 strikes on drivers side, about a dozen or more on the Pass side and out they came. They're a pain in the A' but doable in your garage. You can find good deals on Amazon, they usually ship quickly within 2 to 3 days...

 

[biggjb420]

I bought the shocks seperately, but ask and you shall receive - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/4-Ba...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

i doin same thing but bushings on upper con arm too an found bushing kit for $86 on parts geek an rest of parts too total at 215 with free shipping. an thanks this the best informative article on info been lookn for ive found yet but going to fabricate a way to press instead of rent a tool