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1st problem with leveling kit

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Old May 12, 2009 | 07:21 PM
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FirstDodge05's Avatar
FirstDodge05
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Default 1st problem with leveling kit

Well as some of you guys know, I recently had a leveling kit installed about 2 months ago. Everythings been great up until this point. Recently I've been noticing a pretty loud clunking noise coming from somewhere in the truck everytime I hit a pothole or dip in the road. I started getting worried and immediately assumed it had to due with the kit. I don't know much about suspension components, but I started searching around today after work for the obvious. I get under the truck on the front passenger side, and, yup, there's the problem. I don't know what the parts are called, but I know it's not supposed to be like that. lol Here's some pics I snapped before dropping it off at the mechanic:





Maybe you guys have a better idea of what happened? Maybe a guesstimate of how much the repair will be? I explained to my mechanic that I had a leveling kit installed and that if need be, just take if off to prevent similar future problems. Their gonna call me tomorrow to let me know whats going on.
 
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Old May 12, 2009 | 07:26 PM
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That dosen't look good at all. hopfully it won't cost a lot to get it replaced.
 
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Old May 12, 2009 | 07:32 PM
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that is your sway bar end link. i had to replace mine and sure many have as well as they were on back order. $40 if your dealer has it. try rock auto for a moog replacement they can not be worse. it is a diy job
 
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Old May 12, 2009 | 07:34 PM
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I would take it back to the shop that installed it and demand they fix it.
 
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Old May 12, 2009 | 07:43 PM
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Hey listen,

Dont sweat it at all, its just a sway bar end link. It didnt break because of the leveling kit, there is no more stress on this part then there normally would be.

When I installed my leveling kit I broke the sway bar end link IN THAT EXACT spot trying to take the nut off the top. THEY ARE JUNK.

Rockauto sells them for like $15-$20 a pop, they are easy as pie to replace. What most likely happened was the bolt on the top (which is now gone) was probablly weakened when it was removed to install the leveling kit. Mine was rust weleded together, and broke just like that very easily. Just pick one up at rock auto, and you can get it put in at a shop, or you can do it yourself. Its just 2 bolts, one on the lower control arm, and one thats located where it snapped off in your picture. A nut is supposed to hold it onto the end of the sway bar that you see in your picture.

It's not a big deal, just replace it. Like I said, it had nothing to do with your leveling kit, they break all the time. Dodge dealers cant keep those things stocked.

Rock auto has the best price, grab one (or two if you want to do them both as a pair)

they just connect your sway bar to the lower control arm.
 
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Old May 12, 2009 | 07:45 PM
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Don't feel bad mine came apart at the ball and socket while installing my leveling kit. I've bee riding around with one side off for about a month. I'm thinking about making a new one out of heim joints
 
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Old May 12, 2009 | 07:51 PM
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MonkeyWrench4000 and beadrunner, I'm glad you guys are around because suspension on these trucks isn't something I know alot about, lol. I might have to hit you guys up for some advice sometime.
 
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Old May 12, 2009 | 08:04 PM
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mine broke from all that torque coming off the line and getting the frt tires off the ground about 5 inches or so
 
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Old May 12, 2009 | 08:07 PM
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Originally Posted by superdak05
mine broke from all that torque coming off the line and getting the frt tires off the ground about 5 inches or so
Now that is what I'm talking about. I hope mine stays in place, suspension is not by strongest performance area.
 
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