Thinking about replacing the struts on my 2005 Dakota with the Monroe Quick Struts, and most likely replace the upper control arm(s) and lower ball joint(s). The only problem I've seen from reading most of these threads is the lower strut mount bolt and bushing.
Anybody have some more recent input?
Also, has anyone with an '05 4.7l have a cracked driver side exhaust manifold that needed replaced?
Just curious

 

Depends on your vehicle and the amount of rust. If the bolt is rusted to the bushing sleeve, then you are mostly out of luck. If you are lucky you can use a penetrating fluid to help the bold loose from the bushing sleeve. Spray it a few times a day for a few days before you go to do it. Using a little heat to help draw the penetrating fluid in can sometimes help. Since the bushing sleeve goes into a rubber bushing, i wouldn't use heat on the bolt.

Since i live in a place where snow is on the ground normally up to 6 months of the year, I'm going to get a shop to swap mine out when it's time. They'll also install my lift and do an alignment at the same time.

 

I used a impact gun spent about a half hour on each bolt going forward and reverse non stop with plenty of PB blaster eventually they will loosen up.

 

"Also, has anyone with an '05 4.7l have a cracked driver side exhaust manifold that needed replaced?
Just curious"
I replaced my Drivers side exaust manifold last year. Easy peasy.
New Manifold
New Studs n Nuts
All from Dodge
Good luck

 

Mine came off easy when I did my lift. The hardest part was getting everything back together after the lift. My struts are completely destroyed I bottom out a lot now so I'll be throwing in the Monroes soon just not excited to reinstall the lift.

 

i recently did the struts yea the bolt got stuck, practice up on some swear words and phrases.

seriously if i knew then what i know now my advise would be before tearing into the project just loosen the lower nut and bolt but leave the nut partially on. give it a good wack with your largest hammer. if it moves proceed if not fall back and regroup your in for a long ride