I have been having some clunking noises when I hit potholes or bumps and after putting her up on the jack stands I found that there is a good ¼” to ½” of play in the driver side inner tie rod and at least a ¼” of play in the passenger side. I got a couple new inner tie rods from the parts store and I’ll be replacing them tomorrow morning.

The repair manual doesn’t cover this topic. Is it just a standard replacement job like it is on most vehicles? Is there anything different on the Dakota that I should watch for? The tie rod ends (outters) don’t seem to have any play in them, but I’ll inspect them closer once I get it all apart.

I’m assuming I just need to remove the TRE’s, remove the rubber boot over the inners, take a giant wrench to it and take the inner tie rods out then reinstall it in reverse order?

I just want to make sure I don’t run into any unexpected hiccups because I am going to try and get this job done in the morning but I have to work tomorrow so I’ll have to get it back together to get myself to work.

It’s a 99 Dakota 5.2, manual tranny, 4X4, extended cab.

Thanks

 

That's pretty much how it is done. I have a 2 wheel drive Dakota but it should not be much different from yours. I did my own inner tie rods a few years ago, it was pretty easy. I di need a big ole adjustable wrench but it was not too bad. Buy some hose clamps to use when you reinstall the rubber boots. You have to cut off the OEM clamps. Also you will need an alignment when you are done, or at the very least check the toe settings.

Jimmy

 

+1 I completely agree, did mine a couple years ago (4WD) along with upper and lower ball joints. Pretty easy job, you want a big wrench to break it loose. Good idea to mark how far in it is threaded before you put on the new one's, then go get an alignment.