Hello all.

Problem here and it’s not new. I have a 1995 Dodge Dakota s Sport 4x4 v6 engine stand transmission regular cab wanting to rebuild the control arms and can’t fine the lower control arm bushings. I have done a lot of research and keep hitting a wall! However I did see a post where others are reporting using are the 5.3139G kit and trimming one bushing on each side for the lower bushing and making it fit. Just wondering if this is still the only fix out there that’s working or not? These posts go back a few years and wondering if there is any new info out there? The uppers are still out there MOOG K7084 but nothing on the lower ones. Any info would really be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

I decided to go the polyurethane route on my 91. And I ended up getting a whole prothane kit from Summit for about 180.

 

I'd use the Prothane Black bushings instead (and that's with Energy Suspension bushings in my 1988!) due to the graphite impregnation.

See 4208 | Front Control Arm Bushing Kit | Dodge Dakota 1987-1996 (prothanesuspensionparts.com) for one supplier.

You'll have to trim that one bushing.

And yes, currently that's about it.

RwP

 

I used the black ones too. I don’t drive it much right now due to a few other issues that the old girl has, but I did notice a bit of a difference in how it feels on rougher roads .

 

Thanks Ralphp,
I have been looking at these prothane bushing kits for the past few weeks and when i did into it i see a messag thats states > Fitment Front Control Arm Bushings 4208 fits these vehicles:

• Dodge Dakota 2WD - 1987 thru 2WD - 1996

Mine is a 4x4 and has torsion bars. was your Dakota a 4x4? will these still work on a 4x4 even tho it stats 2WD ?

Thanks
brian

 

Thanks for your imput Mr.E.Mann

checking these out now.

 

Mine was a 2WD.

Those are the bushings that you use in 3 positions as is, and cut down the 4th, as per the article at How to: Dakota Gen 1 4x4 Lower Control Arm Bushings - DodgeForum.com

You may have to pick 1997 instead; I had it in my head it was the same bushings as my 1988, but if it's the 1997 2WD bushings, order those from Prothane or Energy Suspension (again, Prothane Black is graphite impregnated; my 1988 is rocking Energy Suspension Red, and they're not that noisy in real life ... YMMV though) and trim them the same way.

RwP

 

If I recall correctly there are a lot more options for the 4x4. Mine is a RWD but was seeing most stuff out there seemed to be geared for 4x4 . At pone point I said to myself that I wished mine was 4 wheel .
it took me probably a month or 6 weeks to find all of what I was gonna need for the work I wanted accomplished. Just leave no stone unturned. It will be worth it

 

Thanks RalphP,

Ok i got it now. will give that a shot. I do have the moog for the upper control arm. is there a problem if i run both moog upper and Prothane for lower or should i use Prothane all aound ?

Thanks

 

It's up to you.

I ran ES all around; but then, I prefer the firmer ride with the increase in NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness). YMMV, natch.

RwP