Just wanted to say thanks to everyone on this forum. I did a lot of research and have learned a lot about these trucks from you guys. I just purchased a 2000 Dakota sport 4x4 4.7 V8 automatic transmission and the only real problem I see is this piece connected to the leaf spring near the back of the truck drivers side. It looks like it rotted away. The passenger side looks like it was replaced recently. See pics.

Missing one:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/41265/car/Ph...%2050%20PM.jpg

Replaced one (circled in red):
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/41265/car/Ph...%2035%20PM.jpg

What is the name of this part and how hard is it for me to replace? I just ordered the Haynes manual for this and should get it this week. Im guessing you have to somehow compress the leaf spring to get this new piece lined up and back in right? Any suggestions on where to buy this piece and how to install it?

Thanks a lot.
Joe

 

I didnt look but they should have one for your Dakota

Start soaking the parts with WD40 or better you will need it

http://www.autoandtrucksprings.com/c...its-158-1.html

 

just jack up the frame and left the leafs fall down to replace. Those are called leaf spring shackles, they commonly rot on our trucks.

rockauto.com has them with the bolts included for $25

 

Thanks guys. I just ordered the part. Also found a good video on youtube about replacing it:
Looks like on some models the hanger is actually reversed (upside down). From what I'm seeing (like in this youtube video) the 2wd is right side up and the 4wd like mine is inverted

 

you are correct.

 

Start soaking them in ATF/Acetone or PBlaster, today.

 

Yes correct as stated above.
As well as the spring shackle on 2wd hangs down from the frame to the spring and on 4wd the shackle goes down from the spring to the frame. The 2wd axle sits on top of the springs and on 4wd leaf springs sit on top of the axle.

 

Ok, so I got the nuts off after plenty of soaking with PB Blaster and heating it up with a torch. Next step, how do I take the bolts out? They are free and they just spin and spin along with what's left of the old shackle. I wedged another wrench in-between whats left of the old shackle so that it doesnt spin when I turn the bolt, but when I do that, the bolt won't spin either. I was under the impression that after you take the nuts off, the bolts just slide off. I guess that's not the case. Any suggestions? Unless I just need to get a bigger wrench and really gorilla the hell out of it.

 

On new or non rusty shackles the bolts will just slide out but yours are probably badly corroded on the inside as well so you could get a bfh (big f-ing hammer) and a punch and drive them out or cut the head of the bolt off/out with the a cutting torch but if you use the torch just make sure you dont cut the frame member any..... and if you use the hammer you could heat whats left of the shackle and then hit the bolt with the hammer and keep soaking it with some kind of penetration oil to help with it also...... and good luck

 

Yep I read that if you have the 2wd and put the 2wd and put the 4wd shackle or have a 4wd and use the 2wd shackle you will get eithe a 2in lift or 2 inch drop. So being I have a 2wd kota I am putting the 4wd on and dropping the 2 inches to get rid of ugly space and have a cleaner look.