Rebuilding suspension
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Rebuilding suspension
Hey everyone, I'm a new driver and new Dakota owner (she's an '06). Most of my suspension (both front and back) is falling apart and needs to be entirely rebuilt but I have absolutely no idea how to start ordering parts and knowing what I need. I have a repair manual but it's only useful if you already have a basis of knowledge for working on trucks, and I don't. Does anyone have any advice or other threads I can use for reference?
Champion
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,971
Likes: 91
From: Jersey
A few of threads that should help are below:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...ld-you-do.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...arts-help.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...n-problem.html
There are aftermarket front end parts that are much better than OEM parts.
But any sensors that you ever need, use only OEM, as aftermarket sensors don't seem to work correctly.
If you haven't found it yet, download the Factory Service Manual (It's free), there is a link to it below, above my sig pic.
Welcome aboard.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...ld-you-do.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...arts-help.html
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...n-problem.html
There are aftermarket front end parts that are much better than OEM parts.
But any sensors that you ever need, use only OEM, as aftermarket sensors don't seem to work correctly.
If you haven't found it yet, download the Factory Service Manual (It's free), there is a link to it below, above my sig pic.
Welcome aboard.
Last edited by dakotaff; Jan 21, 2021 at 10:52 AM.
Record Breaker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 5
From: Las Vegas
Coming from someone who entered the "professional" automotive industry in high school (trade school with internship ties to shops), I highly suggest you find a friend who can physically come over and help you learn.
Everything from parts identification, to ordering, and finally, PROPERLY installing, so that you don't end up killing yourself, are skills that come with time and experience and mentorship.
I have taken classes and mentored kids fresh out of trade school who can tell you everything you need to know....from a book. Nothing replaces someone who's actually done it, showing you how to do it. Teach a man to fish.
There's only so far this forum can take you. And it stops when you're hands hit the wrench.
Other than that, lets us know what you need help with and I'm sure plenty of us here will do our best!
Everything from parts identification, to ordering, and finally, PROPERLY installing, so that you don't end up killing yourself, are skills that come with time and experience and mentorship.
I have taken classes and mentored kids fresh out of trade school who can tell you everything you need to know....from a book. Nothing replaces someone who's actually done it, showing you how to do it. Teach a man to fish.
There's only so far this forum can take you. And it stops when you're hands hit the wrench.
Other than that, lets us know what you need help with and I'm sure plenty of us here will do our best!
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
... I highly suggest you find a friend who can physically come over and help you learn.
Everything from parts identification, to ordering, and finally, PROPERLY installing, so that you don't end up killing yourself, are skills that come with time and experience and mentorship. ...
Everything from parts identification, to ordering, and finally, PROPERLY installing, so that you don't end up killing yourself, are skills that come with time and experience and mentorship. ...
Brakes and suspension are two things on a vehicle that can actually cause serious damage to you and/or others if they're done wrong. Mess up a timing chain replacement and the engine doesn't work. Mess up a ball joint or tie-rod replacement and you might crash your truck.
That said, suspension rebuilding isn't particularly difficult, although special tools are necessary for some jobs (your local parts store might free loaner tools).
