well hello, after searching around the internet and this forum for answers, I ended up with more questions than answers.

1. I need to replace outer tie rods both driver and passenger.
A. should I also replace both inner sides as well?
2. both lower ball joints need to be replaced,
A. I know I should do upper also but didn't find alot of info.
3. aside from those two issues how can I tell what else needs fixing?\
A. IE suspension, struts etc.......

Also can the flat plate where the the ball joints are bolted in, one is bolt at the front seems to have been cut/ melted (assuming the used a torch)
A. is that a hug problem?


Id like to do all this work myself, failrly confident that I can just from what I've read and watched on youtube. Everything is straight forward, I have some know how not alot though.

my truck is a 97 DDAkota 2wd 136k

Look forward to hearing what others have to say. Also any issues I may encounter upoun doing this my self.

edit: Looking for parts online and I guess Im going to use Moog as it seems they are "better" not sure but I don't like putting parts that may not hold up while I'm an occupant of a vehicle.
So just in looking I'm not sure if I need to buy the entire Assembly for the tie rod or just the Rod itself ( some come with hardware and others do not, price difference is is about half) like every one else in Emerica right now, im feeling the stupidity of Obama. Therefore If I can reuse hardware Id rather do that.

 

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-dakota/231427-2-wheel-drive-lower-ball-joints-how-to-w-pics.html

This has info on lower and upper ball joints and other good info

 

great post, I actually bookmarked it prior to posting this thread, although I did not see in there anything about upper ball joint, is it the same procedure? I can't imagine its much different but I'm not clear on what I need to do in order to remove it, ex. is there something attached to it that has to be taken off first, forgive my ignorance but I'm no engineer.

 

I did this write up a month or so ago on the uppers. Any questions let me know

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ta-cc-4wd.html

 

i saw the link and bassiclly same deal but Is there something i need to remove first aside from the rivets or is it just drilling out rivets and sliding the ball joint plate out and the new one in?
I also saw about greasing, wasn't to sure on this can chime in on it?....

 

It goes through step by step from start to finish on what you need to remove to do the upper BJs. Nothing else

 

thanks DDcc4x4 good stuff. I guess I need to research more on the pins and greasing other than that it looks like I'm in for a whole day to do the ball joints.

 

The new Moog ball joints come with a "zerk fitting" (see the pictures) and once done you can pump in a little extra grease. These are designed to be serviceable so you can pump a little fresh grease every now and then to help them live longer

 

If you have any questions, just ask.

 

If you had actually read the complete thread you would have found this link

http://www.rp95.com/BJ_replacement.pdf

And this



and this

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-dakota/337060-top-ball-joint-rivets-removal-made-easy.html

and this

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen-dakota/336445-removing-the-wheel-well-insert-help-98-dak.html