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I just purchased a 2000 Dodge Dakota Extended Cab 4WD from copart. It had been rear ended and the bed was trashed. I took the bed off and notice the rear of the frame rails looks replaceable. I found all of the bolts holding the rear frame rails on, but noticed the leaf spring brackets on the front are not a typical bolt, they look like a pressed rivet. I wonder if anyone has advice on removing these and replacing the rear quarter of the frame rail. I would be very grateful.
Also I need to replace the leaf springs on both side due to being bent. Can I use the leafs from a Dodge Ram to provide extra support. Or any other junk yard trucks that could work?
Last edited by skipsterr; Dec 20, 2018 at 01:23 PM.
Reason: Added the extra photos
For the rivets, drill 'em out a bit, and then knock the heads off with an air chisel. If you don't have air tools available, just use a larger drill bit after the initial drill, and a hammer on chisel should also knock them off. You can use standard grade 8 hardware to bolt them back on.
I don't know about using full-size truck springs on a dakota...... you would have to measure the springs, width, and eye-to-eye dimensions. Also, where the alignment pin is in relation to the center of the spring...... If you have a wrecking yard nearby, they may something for you. If nothing else, they *should* have an interchange manual, and they will tell you what else will fit.
Think I would verify the rest of the frame though, and make sure nothing else got tweaked.
Agree with HeyYou, verify the rest of the frame is square. If so, split off the rear segment and graft on a new one. I'm not sure if you'd have to deal with the front hangar or not, I haven't looked at the construction that closely.
WOW it takes a tremendous amount of force to bend leaf springs your frame needs attention 100% sure of that. The cab may have shifted also I would check that out.
The rest of the frame is pretty squared off. Only the rear rail took damage, but the main front/ mid rail is about the same width all the way back. I really appreciate the drill idea, I did not even think about that idea.
I do have a few local pick a part junk yards around. Just wanted to see if I could beef up the rear end a little.
The cab remained in its correct position. The bed just cause I little bit of damage to the rear driver side of the cab. But nothing a little hammer and 2x4 cant pop back out.
Rear End Frame Repair
