Hello, I am new to this forum and have not yet explored it in depth. I really am looking for an answer to one question. While in for routine service at my local dealer, the mechanic told me she felt that I needed to have the front struts replaced, but that due to the amount of rust in the upper strut tower, she couldn't confirm whether she would be able to put in a new strut once she got the old one out. My truck is a 2001 Dakota Sport 4x4, 3.9L V6, automatic transmission with 75,000 miles, and I purchased it used from someone that had also purchased it used. As far as I know, this truck was operated primarily in the northeast - NY/NJ/PA area - and was subjected to the typical heavy use of road salt during winter driving. So, I guess the question is can an existing upper strut tower be replaced and or reinforced, or can I put new front fenders on the truck as an alternative that would provide a new strut tower? The dealer's service agent and the mechanic were strongly suggesting that I start looking for a new truck to replace this one. Frankly, as a retiree, I cannot afford to spend $35-50k on a new truck. I am very happy with the Dakota and am willing to explore available options for repairs. If anyone has dealt with this issue, please contact me and let me know what you have done.

Thanks!

 

Due to the design of the mounting surface you're talking about, road debris/salt/water/etc does tend to build up there so it's possible that it could be deteriorating or at the least look pretty bad to this mechanic.

However, I would either look at the integrity of everything yourself, or go somewhere other than the stealership, preferably somebody who doesn't also sell cars in addition to fixing them for a second opinion.
It's probably not as bad as they are making it sound. Keyword probably.

I live in MN and also in ND for a while (plenty of salt and rust just like you)
I've used to own a 2001 Dakota 4x4 that went to 285k miles
I currently own a 2003 Dakota 4x4 with 244k miles
Girlfriend owns a 2003 Durango 4x4 with 212k miles
Every vehicle lived it's entire life in the rust belt (and yeah they are rusty) and have yet to need the the mounting brackets/towers/ whatever you wanna call them replaced. I've personally replaced all the shocks on both Dakota's and the Durangos previous owner did those too.
Everything went as smoothly as I'd expect for rusty trucks.

So with all that said I would be surprised if your truck (especially with 75k) was that bad. But anything is possible! Some vehicles age worse than others!

.02

 

Our trucks do not use struts. The shock bolts into part of the frame, so that portion is not easily replaced.

Generally speaking, for a northern truck, the shock must be cut in half or torched out. Even on my 2001 southern truck with 10 year old shocks (replaced them when I bought it), I almost did not get the nut off the shock shaft when i swapped them out over winter. The rod got pretty mangled up.

 

ZINGO

Thanks for the quick reply! I had a feeling that the dealership might be pushing sales over service. I will definitely take it to another non-dealer service shop.