After I replaced my control arms, the truck firmed up and didn't sway as much when driving on the roads.

 

I just drove mine home from my shop and decided that I'm not driving it until I get my new control arms on. I dont want to mess up all the new parts I've put on. How did you get your bolts out? The top rear control arms look like they would be the toughest.

 

Luckily, mine were easy to remove, as the truck's control arms weren't subjected to a lot of snow and salty roads in this area. I soaked the bolts with PB Blaster and removed the nuts with my air impact wrench. I believe I removed the bolts with my air hammer and a punch. I was able to re-use the original bolts and nuts.

 

I had my impact and a breaker bar today and still haven't even budged them yet but I was running out of time and will try again tomorrow. The salt is terrible around here and rusts everything. I soaked them with PB Blaster before I left my shop I hope that will help. What do you think about cutting the head and nut off with a cut off air tool and just pulling the control arms out? Have you heard of anyone doing that?

 

As a last resort, cutting the bolts at both ends (preferably inside the bracket they mount to) will work just fine. As you aren't going to re-use the bolts, or control arms, it is a viable option.

 

Might want to see if you can use a stronger impact wrench after soaking the bolts/nuts overnight with PB Blaster. See if you can grab a good air operated 3/4" impact wrench and be sure to use an impact grade socket. That should either remove the bolt or snap it off. I'm also not a fan of cutting the bolts off, since you might accidentally damage/cut the control arm frame supports in the process.

 

I replaced all the control arm bushings and changed my transmision mount and now it's running better than new. Thanks for everyone's help!

 

Now I'm working on the interior does anyone know if dodge had a recall on the dashboard? I even have to fiberglass my glovebox hinges. The plastic that dodged used was horrible in 2001.

 

It was horrible from 94 to 02...... and probably onward. No recall, as it isn't a safety issue. Just a cosmetic problem. LMC truck sells replacement tops, as for the rest of it, may have to go to the boneyard.....

 

I think they got the plastic right in the 3rd gens. I had an 04 hemi for 11 years (bought new) and had no issues at all with plastics. Had plenty of issues with rust. The 2nd gens I see in the yards around here, only the dash top and front frame around the instrument cluster is broken.