Mines a 2 wheel drive 1999 5.9l D...perhaps things are different for you...
However as I said, the rubber stops that limit the travel as the suspension (coil springs for me, torsion bars if you're a 4WD) compress are located on the lower control arm pointing upwards. If I get time I'll photo it for you - but keep looking, there must be some stops which are the opposite of the ones you've replaced - located underneath the upper control arm as I remember to take the weight of the wheel as it unweights as descibed before...

Chris

 

Well, you guys were right! I switched out the sway bar bushings today, and the noise is gone. Before that, I took the Durango to the Dodge service center today to have a few minor things done. I had them look at the front end to see if it was riding too low. The mechanic said it was "a little tight up front" but looked normal to him. I guess I'll leave the torsion bars as-is and keep an eye on the bumpers.

So, they also noted that the sway bar bushings were bad, and they tried to charge me $310.00 to replace them!! I told them that the parts were only about $40 and AllDataDIY said it was a 0.6 hr procedure. Dodge told me it was in fact a 2.5 hour job, and $310 was their standard rate. I think it's interesting that I can do the job in 1 hour with relatively zero mechanic experience, but it takes the Dodge pros 2.5 hrs. I know there are a lot of good, honest mechanics out there, but it's crap like this that makes me doubt them.

Anyway, thanks for all the help!

J.

 

if you get poly bushings make sure to install grease fittings so you can lube them at every oilchange - poly are prone to squeeking and if they are run dry they can wear out extremely fast. its a good idea to do this on sway bar bushings as well as swing arm bushings.

(not part of a durango but you get the idea)

larger hole just through the metal sleeve - sized to allow the grease fitting to thread into the sleeve.


smaller 1/8" hole drilled through the bushing.


grease fitting screwed into place.

 

Kohburn, thanks for the idea. I actually ended up going with the stock rubber bushings. I plannedto take my vehicle to a job site today, and the squeaking was getting pretty obnoxious yesterday.I knew Dodge had the replacements in stock, whereas I would have had to order the poly bushings, and I couldn't wait.From your experience, it sounds like rubber may have been a better alternativeafterall. Thanks,

J.

 

don't get me wrong - i love poly - when properly lubricated they last darn near forever compared to rubber. and they take a lot of slop out of the suspension system.

but for most people rubber is all they'll ever need.