Both front tires, this connector, seems open? This is the stabilizer bar link, am I right? I was checking out these areas because of a clunking sound I get when going over small bumps in the road.

 

Yes, those are the stabilizer bar (aka sway bar) links.

The primary purpose is to stabilize the van during turns. The rear sway bar will pick up the slack to some degree but you should really get the pair (left and right) replaced ASAP. You may or may not notice a difference while driving straight unless your shocks and struts are worn too - then it may feel as if it’s “floating” in a sense.

It’s not a difficult job to DIY. The main thing to expect is the old links will be difficult to remove so you’ll need a good pair of vice grips or a cutting tool to remove them. However, if that’s not an option, any good shop can have them done in 1/2 hour or less.

 

Thanks, appreciate it. I have a good mechanic and I don't have the tools so in the shop it goes.

 

If that attaches to the back of your wheel DO NOT DRIVE THIS!!! If that is part of your steering or suspension once it finally comes off you will have a chance that your wheel will point in whatever direction and you will not have any control of your vehicle. From the picture this could possible be part of the tie rod from the steering rack. Edit: looking again at the picture I see the tie rod behind this but still if this attaches to the wheel via suspension it may still affect the wheel pointing where you steer, or allow the wheel to swing out or under the vehicle (left to right axis).

 

https://thegaragely.com/what-happens...joints-go-out/

 

https://www.1aauto.com/dodge-chrysle...IaAv48EALw_wcB

Sway bar link is correct I think from these pics and videos of the suspension parts for 01 to 04

Is it safe to drive? https://www.autoblog.com/2016/01/04/...oken-sway-bar/

 

Yeah, they are the Sway Bar Links.

Another question, I brought it to a shop and they want $57.85 for parts and $239 for labor. That seems high, yes?

 

Jeez, just got a call from another shop, and they only want $180. Guess I am not going back to that other mechanic ever again...

 

The average shop labor rate is $100/hr - most dealers and some specialty shops are higher - but if you use that as a base rate, the first shop is expecting it to take more than 2 hours. Even assuming the old links have to be torched off, 2+ hours is too long. At most this is a 1 hour job at a shop that has a torch or other cutting equipment at their disposal.

 

Thank GumbyRT. I just got my van back, $197 ($100 for the labor like you said) and all the clunking noises are gone! Here are the sway bar links. Still connected but shot.