Hi! First post; new to this forum...

My wife and I have a 1998 Dakota; 5.2 V8, stick, which we've owned since new.We love the truck, but it's developed a squeak I haven't been able to solve. I'm not inept, I'm an auto tech by trade, but I'm stumped. I'm hoping someone else may have seen or dealt with this one before.

Over bumps, generally when the ambient temperature is cool, it squeaks loudly from the rear. I've tried lubing and tightening everything I can find. I removed the shocks and spare tire carrier to help isolate the noise, which seems to eminate from the forard front area from under the bed (2-wheel drive, std cab). I went ahead and replaced the rear shocks, which helps very little. Nothing appears loose: bed mounts, suspension mounting points and fuel tank straps are tight, no heat shields appear to be fouling. I've eliminated the tailgate as a suspect, as well as any e-brake cables. I'd almost guess that the fuel tank is the cause, because I've run out of ideas. Has anyone seen or dealt with a similar noise? It's very loud and annoying, and I am frustrated that it's evaded me this long.

Thanks.

 

Me I would check the rear springs for cracks.

 

i had that problem with mine. It was that my tail pipe was rubbing on the body of the bed.

 

Try checking the rubber bushings within the leaf springs and shackles.
I have the same problem with mine and this is what I have found mine squeaks from the front as well and it is coming from the sway arm bushings.

 

Thanks for the replies.

I found that it is likely the rear leaf spring isolator/spring tip liner. If anyone else may have run into this one, there is a TSB regarding replacement of these parts: 02-05-00. If your local Dodge dealer is as helpful as mine was, they'll run you off a copy. If not, I can supply the particulars.