My truck is a '06 3.7 with 53k on it. It makes a fair bit of rattling like noises and squeaking over any type of bumps in the road. Any ideas as to what could be causing the noises or what the fix is?

 

the first thing i would check is the steering. these new dakotas are pretty famous for having junk tie rods and ends. does the steering wheel feel like it wants to go wherever it wants when hitting bumps? if not than it could be bushings or balljoints. i ditched the stock steering tie rods and tie rod ends and i dont get rattles or wander anymore.

 

No, the steering wheel still feels pretty solid when going over bumps, at least I think so, like what exactly do you mean when you say does it feel like it goes where it wants?

 

Like if the steering wheel jerks really quick when you hit a bump or jerk to one side

 

I had the same problem and I just got my right front cv shaft changed under warranty and now no more noise I would check your cv shafts

 

Oh okay, nope, steering wheel doesnt jerk at all when going over bumps stays straight.

I know its not CV joints as my truck is not 4wheel drive.

 

check for play in your tie rod ends and ball joints. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijn5Can276U

http://www.ehow.com/how_2175979_check-ball-joints.html

 

ball joints too

 

I have the same thing going on right now but no rattles. Mine creaks so bad as a result of a bad ball joint on the drivers side I won't drive the truck anymore until I fix it.

 

What is your tire inflation pressure? Overinflated tires can cause the condition you mentioned when hitting bumps i.e. "bumpsteer". Use the pressures on the door jamb of your truck.