So it looks like the first BIG repair is due on my 03 Durango (we bought used in Winter of 2011/2012). THE FRONT SUSPENSION!!!!!

In regards to the Lower Control Arm, I am wondering what people's thoughts were on the replacement part.

I have heard MOOG is the way to go for parts.

1. Does this hold true for the LCA as well?

2. If so, which is better to replace it with, the "R-Series" --> http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...391&cc=1413111 or the "Problem Solver" --> http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...818&cc=1413111 - Is there something of value for the extra $50 in price.

3. Additionally, I need to replace UPPER Ball Joints on D/S and P/S. These would be MOOG parts too.

So if I am in there replacing both Upper BJ's, and the P/S LCA (w/ BJ), would it make sense to just spend the money on the D/S LCA (w/ BJ) as well, so then all BJ's are the same "age"? Biggest extra cost is the Labor charge (in addition to the $150-200 part cost)

I would like to attribute this as an "Age" issue for replacement more than to the recent T/S modification put in December 2012.

I cannot confirm the age of the current Ball Joints. All I know is that the Upper is still riveted which leads me to believe they are original.

Thanks for any insight you can offer.

 

I can't tell exactly but it seems most likely the "problem solver" has a zerk fitting so you can grease as needed.

 

Id just rebuild the whole front end then it's worry free for 10 years.

 

That's my plan for the next maint, probably in a few weeks. I'll swap in 4 new fully populated control arms, Moog, maybe $450 from RockAuto. I guess I should be thinking half-shafts too.

 

Are the actual control arm bushings bad or just the ball joints? If it is just the ball joints save some $$ and replace only those. The uppers will need to have the rivets ground off and lowers will need the pinch weld removed as well. Honestly from all the "problem solver" Moog parts I see daily , I see little reason to spend extra on them. I would replace the lowers with these http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...036&cc=1413111 and the uppers with these http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...793&cc=1413111 . Mevotech is good quality at a good price , produced in Canada. Many Moog parts are now being produced in Taiwan , China .

 

For many years I have used either moog or mevotech every time I need front end parts and they both seem to be comparable in quality, but I would never consider any ball joint that did not have zerks.

 

Yea, MOOG is great but I just can't justify the cost when I can go over to Auto Zone and get lifetime warrantied parts. If they go bad I can take them back locally and get new parts. Rock is a great place to, speaking of which I need to order a part.

Not to dis of course, but the Durango front end is a money pit bad design....IMHO....I would throw money into my Rams, but not the Durango, been there did that.

 

I don't know about you but when I factor in the cost of the alignment and labor that the lifetime warranty doesn't cover that you need after replacing those front end parts, the moog isn't all that pricey. I also really hate doing the same work twice.

 

I agree. I'd rather spend the money for a better quality part. USA made is possible.

I only drive my truck a couple days a month so I just want it to work with little maint required. That's why I invested so much in my durango.

 

Well I don't worry about that because I buy a Lifetime Alignment the first time from Firestone. Then I can simply take it back any time I want or after any work.

To say that MOOG is better over DuraLast parts is frankly crap. I've seen them both outlast and not last as long, but you here's one thing you obviously didn't get with in reading my comment, "if it goes out you take it back and get a new one LOCALLY" thus for free. You simply can't do that with MOOG. So when you have to replace your MOOG then you will be in for twice the parts which are more anyway, the fees, and the alignment which would have paid for itself. All the while knowing that the design is bad from the get go.

Each to their own on parts and how you deal with working on them, but flat out a bad design front end, well nothings going to last that long....IMHO