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ken
Dodge Dakota
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3/13/2002
11:06:05
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 Subject: '97 Lower control arm
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Message:
A friend has a 1997 Dakota regular cab v6. She took it to the dealer for an alignment and they told her the lower controla arm bushings were shot, and that to replace them they had to replace the control arm itself. Is this true? She doesn't know anything about cars, and I'm not familiar with Dodge trucks, myself. I just want to make sure she's not being ripped. Also, what brands are the best for aftermarket sheet metal on this truck as far as fit & finish? Thanks for any help.
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Jayne
Dodge Dakota
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2/10/2005
08:45:05
|  RE: '97 Lower control arm
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I too had a similar problem yesterday. Took my 97 Dakota in for a front end alignment and they said it couldn't be done because I needed an Upper Control Arm Shaft and Bushing Kit for the right side.
The left side they said the bushing was cracked all the way around and gave me a long list of unrelated items that should be done at the same time. All total we were into 4 figures for the work they want to do.
It sounded strange to me since this vehicle does not have a lot of miles on it and has been babied and serviced regularly since the day it was purchased.
I would appreciate any information or thoughts on this as I often feel that they are taking advantage of me and my lack of mechanical knowledge.
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stevebdak
Dodge Dakota
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2/10/2005
11:21:04
| RE: '97 Lower control arm
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Message:
I too have a 97 DAK 3.9L V6. the issue with the upper controlarm bushings is that the right one is so close to the exhaust manifold that it gets fried. I purchased a set of Polyurithane bushing kit for upper and lower control arms. Being I was going to have the front end dropped 2 inches, I gave the kit to the shop doing the drop and they put them in for me. The old ones need to be pressed out and new ones pressed in. While you are in there, make sure your ball joints arn't bad. I have replaced both lower and one upper one so far.
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DEREKT
Dodge Dakota
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8/30/2006
20:46:54
|  RE: '97 Lower control arm
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Message:
I HAVE A 97 CLUB CAB DAKOTA V6. I WENT TO GET AN ALIGNMENT ON MY TRUCK AND WAS TOLD THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE BAD ON BOTH SIDES AND FOR THE SHOP TO FIX THE PROBLEM THEY ARE SAYING THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE CONTROL ARMS BECUSE IT IS A COMPLETE ASSEMBLY WITH BALL JOINTS ALREADY MOUNTED IN THE CONTROL ARM WHEN PURCHASED.
I LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK MY SELF AND BELIEVE THAT I SHOULD BE ABLE TO JUST REPLACE THE LOWER BALL JOINTS. LET ME KNOW IF I AM RIGHT OR WRONG.
MY TRUCK IS A 4X4 IF THIS HELPS ANY.
THANKS, DEREK
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J and J Auto
GenII
8/31/2006
00:01:37
| RE: '97 Lower control arm
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Message:
I ahd a guy with a 97 4x4 dealer told him he
needed the control arm because the ball joint
was bad
moog ball joints
polyurathan bushings the arm does not need to be
replace unless its bent that is just how the
dealers do it
If the bushing was completly gone and wore the
shaft than yes it needs to be replaced
also the high mileage ones usualy also need the
adjuster kits
Larry
J&J Auto
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stevebdak
Dodge Dakota
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8/31/2006
16:18:10
| RE: '97 Lower control arm
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Message:
I have a 97 DAK and the upper control arm bushings on the right side are so close to the exhaust manifold that it burns up and falls apart far quicker that it should. While I was lowering my truck, I replaced the bushings on both sides with new bushings from Energy suspension. Also replaced the stock manifolds with JBA headers. I replaced the bushings at 86K and have had no further problems with them. I am about to turn 200K on my DAK>
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greendak
Dodge Dakota
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9/03/2006
23:12:18
| RE: '97 Lower control arm
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Message:
How long would it take 2 people to do the upper and lower control arm bushings and ball joints?
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