I've been reading this forum for a while, but this is my first post. I have a 1999 Dodge Durango SLT 4x4 with the 5.9L engine. I've had it since nearly new - bought the dealer's demo car and have put on 135,000 miles so far.

I need to replace the left front upper ball joint again - changed it the first time at 65k miles. And in the back, need to replace the shocks. When I do the work, I might as well do both sides.

I do not want to put the OEM ball joints in again and have to replace yet again in another 60k miles. I have a choice of just replacing the ball joints (eg Moog) or should I replace the control arms as well with aftermarket parts? I'm guessing while I have everything out, I might as well do the front shocks and springs. What are your suggestions? And apart from bushings, what else should I consider replacing?

And in the back, do I just replace the shocks, or ????

I would like to hear from people who have actually done this work and with suggestions of actual aftermarket parts used.

I do not want to put in a lift kit - I do not go off-road anymore, though the Minnesota potholes are worse than many trails I've driven on! In the future, I do plan on upgrading the brakes, especially putting discs in the back.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

1999 Dodge Durango SLT 4x4 5.9L

 

moog is the go to brand for suspension parts including ball joints,

shocks should be done at the very least in pairs (front or rear axle) but i like to do all 4 at once, also no springs in the front of these trucks, the suspension is controlled by torsion bars on the 4x4s, the torsion bars and leaf springs shouldnt need to be replaced unless they break.

for the shocks, everyone has their favorite brand

 

I put BilStein HD shocks all around, no problems, smooth ride even when i'm not hauling. Eliminated the original wheel hop

 

Hop was my reason too. Gone. +1

IndyD

 

+1 for MOOG, they come with grease fittings, OEM from dealer doesn't.

As far as shocks, i use just plain jane heavyduty front and rears, they have a lifetime warranty, but like what was posted, everyone has their preference.

 

Which is a good thing, provided you actually remember to grease them from time to time.

 

So if I understand correctly, the design problems in the Durango suspension is limited to the ball joints. And so there's no benefit to replacing the control arms.

I'll probably change all the ball joints with Moog and try to remember to grease them now and then . I'll also change the shocks all round - I've used BilStein before and like them.

Thanks for the advice.

 

BJs were designed to be grease-free forever. Unfortunately, "forever" ended up being about 4 years, 75-100,000 miles.

The Control Arms are fine. Also, there are no cool, tubular or other type aftermarket 4x4 arms you could replace them with anyways.

IndyDurango

 

Moog sells a front end kit for the 99. Its 279.00 and i would recommend u do the whole front end aftermarket. The 99 are known for burning thru front ends. Bad design. And buy energy shock absorbers front and back. Hydrogen. Not nytrogen. It will feel like a tank. After that it should be smooth riding. All the stock parts are week and made for a v6 not a v8. Thats what i did and my durango rides nice.