I just purchased a 2005 dodge Dakota slt. Great truck. The miles on it is 53k. I notices some front noise once and while when driving over bumps. My boss is a mechanic and he told me to do myself a favor and great all the suspension. He said the rear shocks on this truck are too small for the truck. He said also to replace the “stabilizer links” I am guessing the sway bar link is the same, he said they are prone to go on these truck and by replacing them early will help in the long run. I figured this may be the squeaky noise hear, sounds like springs. I just order NAPA sway bar link 2 of them at $23.26 each. Seem to be an easy install. I looked at the ones currently on there and the bushings look like they aren’t even carrying the load, 98% flat. So I will be replacing them this weekend. Anything else that I should care for in advance? Am I wasting my money installing these if there is no major issue now?

 

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Sway bar links are easy to replace. Squeaking sounds like ball joints. Whatever you do, don't replace the factory parts with factory parts. Buy Moog or other quality aftermarket parts. Struts, ball joints, sway bar links, outer tie rods are prone to early failure on these trucks.

 

Yep what jkeaton said. If you're doing it yourself make sure they have wrench flats at the base of the stud otherwise they're gonna be a pain to put in and torque. Moog Problem Solver and Raybestos Professional Grade have these. Moog part number is K750263.