I replaced my shocks on my 2006 Dakota TRX. The TRX also has a lighter front sway bar (TRX= 30mm diameter, basic SLTs 34mm) and no rear sway bar so I upgraded the front one and installed the rear one. I used Polyurethane Bushings for the front and back. For the front I used Ram 1500 bushings, for the rear I used gernal purpose polyurethane sway bar bushings.

My right front shock was rusted in place. Took it to the Dodge dealer after I have tried to take it out. They agreed they likely wouldn't get it out without damaging bushing, they recommended changing the lower control arm... total cost to have them do the job was $957. I purchased an aftermarket lower control arm and did the job myself inlcuding an alignment at Dodge for $330.

This is my how to replace shock and lower control arm.

I put the pictures and descriptions out on photobucket at -

http://s499.photobucket.com/albums/r...20replacement/

I did create a .pdf version i could send if someone wants it.

For completeness here are the parts I upgraded:

I don't have part numbers for the sway bars, they don't show them on their website. I ordered both of them from www.dodgepartsonline.net they have a really good deal on the bars. They will charge you shipping on both items because UPS wont package them together because of their odd shape but you'll still save $40 to $50 bucks.

This is what I ordered off of their site:

Collision Catalog - 2007 - Dodge - Dakota
Front suspension, Stabilizer bar and components, Stabilizer bar, W/o off road pkg., W/o off road pkg.

Collision Catalog - 2007 - Dodge - Dakota
Rear suspension, Stabilizer bar and components, Stabilizer bar, Stabilizer bar

Then I ordered the rear links from rock auto and got the bolts I needed from a local store with a supply of quality bolts, for me that was Fleet Farm.

Here are the bushings I ordered from JEGS, they are polyurethane bushings that'll fit the Dakota:

Prothane #311-4-1138 RAM 1500 front bushings
[IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/211268/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg[/IMG]BUSHING RAM 15-3500 2/4WD FT SB 34MM 94-05 Part Number # 311-4-1138

Rear bushings:
[IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/211268/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.jpg[/IMG]
Sway Bar Bushing
· Bar Diameter: 1/2''
· Color: Black
· Sold in pairs
Part Number # 311-19-1102-BL

 

Oh, over the limit on pictures, can't upload the rest to this thread. I'll see if I can figure out an alternative, I don't have a site I upload pictures to.

Kind of hard to do a how to if you can't do pictures! Open to suggestions.

 

Open an account @ photobucket.com it's free....

 

Nice job..I see new ball joints/arms/shocks (possible rack) being done in the spring.
If I am going to take it apart, I am going to do it once and do it right!

 

yep, go to photobucket.com and open an account. it's free.

 

I tried a different route, made a pdf document of what I did but its to big too at 9xxK bytes. Thought that would work since the attach instruction list max .pdf at 3.81 MB.

 

what did you do with the old lower control arm? if you still have it and dont need it would you be willing to ship it to me at my expense of course so i could get going on this long travel project

 

All, I have uploaded pictures and comments on photobucket @
http://s499.photobucket.com/albums/r...20replacement/

06dak287

I have it in my garage with the old shock stuck in it yet. I would need to get the shock cut off then I could send it, its heavy!! How would we work out the expenses.

 

Paypal works great for these type of situations! and to mail it just go to fedex/ups/post office and have it weighed and have the address and see how much it'll be then tell him or just do it COD (Cash on Delivery) which basically you send it out and he pays for it when its delivered!

 

yup. get the arm down to its lightest form. no shocks, sway links or anything. let me know how much it weighs. and ill send a cashiers check.