I'm going to have my parent's 99 Durango to work on all day Sunday. It is going to need both inner tie-rods, all 4 ball joints and L/F wheel hub. I do have experience with this kind of stuff but I was wondering what tips and tricks you guys have done to get the job done and if this is something you guys have done in a day.

The service manual says to release tension from the torsion bar and remove sway bar end links etc.. etc.. so I obviously I'm sure a lot of you guys have all ready done yours so what worked best for you?

Also I'm hoping I don't run into any problems with the wheel bearing because the last few Dodge hub assm. I have done have been a b@tch.

 

This may help with the wheel bearing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8OVqTcgvS0

 

I wont be able to speak for the actual repair since I had the hubs, tie rods and ball joints done by professional mechanics but sounds like you got quite a tall order. I would definitely hope you live close to alignment shop because that should be the first place to visit after all the work,especially ball joints and tie rod ends. Sounds like quite a project, I woud plan possibly both days, to be on the safe side and make sure you have a spare vehicle in the event something gets hung up, wrong part, etc.. While at your local auto retailer pick up a Chiltons manual and read those sections VERY THOROUGHLY.

Also If you can afford I stronlgly recommend MOOG Greasable ball joints, they might be a little more but probably about 9-out of 10 forum members recommend these for their quality, and long term effectiveness.

ALSO PAY ATTENTION on the hubs, make sure you know whether you have ABS on REAR ONLY or ALL FOUR.....front hubs for 4 WHEEL ABS have the electrical connector for the sensor. REAR ONLY shouldnt have this connection. Check your VIN carefully and consult your dealer for guidance, they can print you out a build sheet from the factory which will tell you.

 

So I was doing some shopping and I noticed that the description of the lower ball joints is "with press-in type". I was under the impression they were all pressed in.

 

I thought so to, some one will chime in soon. A quick sidebar though. I was noticing your vehicle inventory. Neon, Durango, Sebring, how did you get the bastard stepchild Impala in there.? LOL!!

 

Hahah we bought it from the grandparents fairly new. I would have to say even though it's a Chevy it's a pretty solid car only thing I've had to do so far was an outer tie-rod, but it only has 70k.