Could really use some advice. I got a 1998 Dakota V6 Sport RWD. The truck is beautiful but the front end really needs to be replaced. Took the entire thing apart including both control arms. I'd like to reuse the upper control arms but the bushings are toast and not going to be easy to take out without damaging the arm. (I'm in the rust belt). So it seems the only option is to replace.

Unfortunately, the upper control arm for the RWD is discontinued (part numbers: 5166340AA or 52039090). I can't seem to find any online.

Seems I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. Is there a supplier you can recommend who might still have stock? Does the 4WD upper control arm work? (Have any of you tried?) Could really use some advice.

 

Those have been out for years 98 99 2WD was the only year those were used 2000 on were different.

I have looked into this and know the spindles are a little different 2000 up also.

But think a 2000 top control arm may actually work for a 98 99 they are cheap but worth a try.

I cant guarantee it but its worth a try.

if anything buy one see if it can be used then do the other one.

What makes me think this is possible is the lower control arm is the same from 97 to 2004.

Its possible the top control arm mounts are just a little different 2000 up but just may fit anyway.

What may be different is just the top ball joint I've checked and 2000 up 2WD is different so just replace it with a 98 99 ball joint.

Some DIY MAJIC just may give you a fix.

GOOD LUCK

 

these pic's may help 2000 2WD control arm upper looks like 7.75" between the mounting holes.

 

If you can live without factory stock parts, and you don't mind Chinesium parts, try Fleabay. Just be sure to check compatibility in the listings.

 

If the 2001-2004 have the same lower, then getting the upper from a newer one will work. Check the spindle part number, may have to change that too. And, may as well swap to the larger, better 2003-2004 brakes since a new spindle is going on. Old wheels should bolt right on though.

 

That's why I have a set of 2000 upper control arms I'm going to do the brake swap I have a set of good 2000 spindles new upper and lower control arms with all new calipers and pads. basically I'm replacing the front end completely.

Just haven't had the time to get it done.

 

My suggestion would be to go to car-part.com and find a California dismantiler and get a pair of used ones from them. They should be pretty clean

 

I almost never replace a whole control arm. I replace the ball joint and bushings on original control arms often.

 

Pay very close attention to the tie-bar. The frame rail moved in 2000 to fit the (5)45RFE transmission - and the tie bars are slightly different to keep the geometry the same. The K-member is the same, hence the lowers are the same. But where the frame rail attaches to the K-member was moved outward, and IIRC the frame is 1/2" wider apart at the rails. So the 98/99 tie bars are straight, the 00+ are 1/4" offset or something like that. It's also different from side to side.

 

There are several listed at https://www.car-part.com/ in your region of canada. Hold on to your original control arms. Take the arms to a heavy truck repair shop and have them press in new bushings for you. It should not cost that much to do, about 1 hr of labor. Or you can do it yourself with a bushing kit. Use a propane torch to burn out the rubber bushings then grease and press in the new ones. Here is a how-to video on how it was done;