Check the stabilizer bar end links for torn boots and worn out bushings. I have replaced mine 3 times. Napa chassis parts are good quality and have a lifetime warranty. They cost about $30.00-$35.00 each and are easy to replace. You have to ask specifically for the "good quality" Napa Chassis parts. Napa also sells cheaper ones that are not nearly as good. Advance sells TRW chassis parts, maybe you can save a little cash with one of their online discount codes. They come up easily in a Google search for "Advance Auto Parts Coupons".

Check the shocks too, replace them if they are worn out or leaking.

I have heard of bad hubs getting so hot they welded themselves to the axle or spindle. Yours doesn't sound like it's near that bad yet but it's a good idea to check the hubs soon as you can.

Jimmy

 

Yeah when I'm on the rough roads it's usually wet too. I should have a chance to check them tomorrow. I'll check the stabilizer ends too. I am planning on putting new shocks on when I get a pair of lift coils to accommodate larger tires. What kind of shock do you recommend on Dakotas? Or better what do you have, and are you happy with them? I know I'm getting way off topic, but I don't want to make a new thread Lol.

 

I use Monroe Reflex, front and rear. But my Dakota is a plain old Club Cab, 2 wheel drive, V6 and a 5-speed. I have never driven my truck off road, only down a few dirt roads here and there since I have owned it. A lot of guys here use Monroe Reflex, it's a great shock for a good price. I tried a set of Monroe Sensa-Tracs before I bought the Reflex, and I found out the hard way that the Sensa-Trac is not a very good shock for a truck. A new set of Reflex shocks didn't cost that much more than the Sensa-Trac's.

If you want to get bigger tires and all that you may need to start a new thread or use the search box and see what the guys with lifted Daks use. There are a lot of different choices. My truck rides very well to have 144,000 miles on it. Right my shocks have about 50,000 miles on them. When they wear out I'll get another set of Reflex shocks.

Jimmy

 

Yeah I am not too sure what would be best for when it is lifted 3 or 4 inches. My truck's plain too, 2wd, but I actually wish it was a 5 speed. But it's got manual locks and windows, only thing power is the steering lol. I don't really off-road or when I do, it is very light, we're talking a field or something. Mainly just dirt roads and messy roads because obviously with a 2wd, I'm not gonna go mud bogging or rock crawling. I'll read up on the Monroe Reflex shocks and if they're good with lifted trucks and see what I find. But first I will fix the front end issues. Gotta do one thing at a time. Thanks again for all of your help Jimmy, I'll let you know if I run into any issues with the hubs.