2nd Gen Dakota Tech 1997 - 2004 Dodge Dakota Tech - The ultimate forum for technical help on the 2nd Gen Dakota.

Common swaybar size on v6 2k dakota 2wd slt?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 20, 2011 | 04:26 PM
  #1  
syllinx's Avatar
syllinx
Thread Starter
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
Default Common swaybar size on v6 2k dakota 2wd slt?

I am going to do the front bushings soon and I gotta get the swaybar measured soon but I can't right now and i'm wondering if it is 28mm or 30mm. I did the back and made a half-*** video lol. I only spent 25.00 to do the back with poly bushings. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRy1Eey8LNA
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2011 | 01:04 AM
  #2  
98DAKAZ's Avatar
98DAKAZ
Champion
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,895
Likes: 35
From: Gilbert, Arizona
Smile only way is to

The only way to know for sure is put a Pocket Caliper on the bar and see what it says my bar was the 28mm.

use a cheap simple Pocket Caliper like this I think Lowes has them for $12

Or here http://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-.../dp/B00004T7UF

Hows the new bushings doing getting a better ride?
 

Last edited by 98DAKAZ; Aug 21, 2011 at 01:13 AM.
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2011 | 07:53 PM
  #3  
syllinx's Avatar
syllinx
Thread Starter
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
Default New bushings.

I love the bushings so far. My old ones were so squishy that these new ones feel like i installed a thicker swaybar.
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2011 | 08:05 PM
  #4  
98DAKAZ's Avatar
98DAKAZ
Champion
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,895
Likes: 35
From: Gilbert, Arizona
Default thinking about doing it

I have been thinking about doing the rear leaf spring bushings on my Dakota for a while but I heard that you pick up a lot of road noise with these bushings.

I was surprised with how squishy the bushing looked as you tried to insert it into the eye.

Is that the case is it louder at all?
 
Reply
Old Aug 21, 2011 | 10:04 PM
  #5  
syllinx's Avatar
syllinx
Thread Starter
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
Default No extra noise.

I don't hear any extra noise. They were way stiffer than the factory rubber bushings. I was just happy that It was 27.00 for bar bushings and the link bushings. I know some models of trucks have the metal links but mine are plastic and I didn't see much benefit in paying almost 30 per link to just get cheap rubber with them. So for 27 i did the back swaybar. Next I will do the front then the leafsprings if they are still good. I have had a few mechanics stumped by how rough my truck rides even with new shocks. So I'm slowly replacing it all since i'm going to keep the truck for another 5 years.
 

Last edited by syllinx; Aug 21, 2011 at 10:21 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2011 | 11:22 AM
  #6  
syllinx's Avatar
syllinx
Thread Starter
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
Default Now i'm more confused.

I thought I had factory swaybar on the front but it is measuring over 30mm and most sites only list the 30mm bushing. Any Idea what I should do?
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2011 | 12:37 PM
  #7  
98DAKAZ's Avatar
98DAKAZ
Champion
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,895
Likes: 35
From: Gilbert, Arizona
Default how ??

How and where did you measure the bar for thickness?

Measure close to the bushings and a few other spots but right at the bushings is best.

Did you use a thickness Caliper and are you using it correctly what did you come up with?
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2011 | 01:44 PM
  #8  
syllinx's Avatar
syllinx
Thread Starter
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
Default Had a shop measure.

The shop measured with a digital caliper just now and it's showing almost right on 32.9. I ordered the 30mm kit since it comes with end link bushings. I just tried a 31mm kit from autozone and it almost fits except bracket was universal so it was awkward. I will get the 30mm kit Wednesday I hope and see how it works. If not I might just settle for cheap bushings since the factory ones are 11 years old now.
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2011 | 01:47 PM
  #9  
98DAKAZ's Avatar
98DAKAZ
Champion
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,895
Likes: 35
From: Gilbert, Arizona
Default how interesting ! ! !

They may be after market bars!
 
Reply
Old Aug 22, 2011 | 01:50 PM
  #10  
syllinx's Avatar
syllinx
Thread Starter
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
Default Least I will be a warning to all if it doesn't work lol.

I know but i bought it with 10,000 miles on it and dealer here is trying to say the slt model had a thicker bar. Just frustrated. Will do the end links first as long as the end link bushings are the same lol. Then tackle the bar. Right now if it will ride better and the 30mm doesn't fit perfectly I will just get correct size later. I've been trying to study for a test then just now test center says I have to wait till the 6th to take it. Now my brain is fried and I will just mess with my truck when the parts come in lol. Sorry haven't slepped yet and i'm rambling.
 

Last edited by syllinx; Aug 22, 2011 at 01:55 PM.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:21 AM.