Long time listener, first time caller. (My first post after a year of reading Durango forums)

So I take the Dingo into the local shop for a wheel alignment, he says the upper ball joints are worn out and need replacing.

I take it to the dealer for further inspection (second opinion). Dealer says I need an engine rebuild (lifters noisey, harmonic balancer slipped on the crankshaft and is eating away at the seals, high mileage 177K), rear axle rebuild (clip is missing and a pin is eating away at the axle housing) and the upper ball joints need to be replaced.

Of course, I ask the dealer to show me everything and he gladly does.

Talk about a bad day. Dingo is parked for good until repairs are done.

I can handle the front suspension and the engine work, but not the rear axle (I have no experience).

I live in Cali, so no increasing the bore X stroke with a hot cam.

Comments? Opinions?