Altair, what are the bushings you are referring to? Ones that connect the sway bar to the truck or are they attached to the link? Now that you mention it, I recall my mechanic saying something to the affect that he couldn't find the bushings and re-used the old ones. Can I find them online? Thanks.

 

Yes they are the ones that connect the sway bar to the frame, follow the bar in towards the center and you'll find them. My truck was still under warranty at the time so the dealer replaced them at no charge. If I had to do it again I would try to find some poly bushings to replace them but I don't know if there's anything out there.

#2 in this diagram:

SwayBar.jpg

 

Altair... where did you find this diagram/pic? is it of the 3 gen Dakota? If its a website with more, got a link?

Thanks

 

It's from the factory service manual, there is a sticky at the top of our section with a link to download it in PDF form. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...ce-manual.html

 

Wow i never saw that up there thanks big time!

 

I've drove around a bit w/out a sway bar which I will be putting back together tomorrow but what's odd is it doesn't really drive that different w/out it. Lol.

Anyway, it is still making a rattling noise. Kind of like a brrrrrr noise (done better w/ tongue...lol) when hitting small bumps/potholes. Thought I found it when I saw that the inner tire fender wall was loose (exact noise when I flicked it) but I tightened it and it's still there.

One thought which may/may not be related is I used to have this clicking sound in my steering wheel and at times it does seem loose or looser. I'm wondering if some steering component could be causing it? I was going to replace the steering intermediate shaft since I was having those symptoms (hard to turn, sticks) but I cleaned and lubed it and all is well.

Anyway, maybe I'll do the tie-rods next.