Rear End Frame Repair
#1
Rear End Frame Repair
Hi All,
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?
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; 12-20-2018 at 01:23 PM. Reason: Added the extra photos
#2
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.
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.
#3
#4
#5
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.
Thank you for your help
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.
Thank you for your help
#6