Dakota control arms and other suspension
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 7

I had my truck inspected at farm and fleet. I need upper and lower control arms and wheel bearings. As well as struts and shocks.
when I look online in find kits with upper control arm but only the lower ball joints. Why don't they come with lower control arms? Also if the kit comes with sway bars and tie rods and such, should I replace all that stuff too.?
when I look online in find kits with upper control arm but only the lower ball joints. Why don't they come with lower control arms? Also if the kit comes with sway bars and tie rods and such, should I replace all that stuff too.?
#4
Professional
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location:
Posts: 232

Sounds like you might need something but they don't know what it is so they want to replace everything.
Maybe get a second opinion.
Maybe get a second opinion.
#6
Amateur
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 41

I'm in agreement with rodslinger though. I'd consider a second opinion unless it looks really rough under there.
#7
Professional
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: NH
Posts: 149

Nothing wrong with the lower control arms on my family's Dakotas except just needing new Moog lower ball joints and sway bar links.The upper control arms are fairly easy to do if the bushings or upper ball joints go bad if you soak everything good in Kroil for a few days.The inner and outer tie rod ends are easily replaced with common hand tools.
#8

Never really heard of replacing lower control arms unless of performance upgrades or major accident. I'd take the wheels of and inspect all 4 arms and check the geometry by measuring each. Second opinion I'd say. Consider cost and time as well.
For the bearing issue ... rotate the hub and feel/listen for noise, pull on the hub/rotor to see if there is any slop. If yes replace
For the bearing issue ... rotate the hub and feel/listen for noise, pull on the hub/rotor to see if there is any slop. If yes replace
Last edited by RicOshea; 10-27-2018 at 08:05 PM.