Dodge Dakota - Upper Control Arms and Shocks

welcome, Today in the Shop we have a 1998 Dodge Dakota. came in for shocks all around however once we seen the condition of the upper control arm bushings and ball joints the call was made to replace it all. follow along as i take you through my process. Hope you enjoy
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Big Horns Intro by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/

[@joelmccoin9727]

Hello Will,I have learned a lot watching your videos, saved me money and time. I hope you and your Family had a good Thanksgiving, All my best to you and yours for the Christmas season, God Bless.

[@robinsonsauto]

joel mccoin hello, thanks for the positive feedback, comments like this keep me posting videos 👍means a lot. I hope the same for you and your family

[@scotthines1454]

Never attempted to DIY this type of work before. Will now follow up with a professional craftsman to check and align front end of our old truck. Very helpful.

[@robertschumacher8713]

I have been turning wrenches for 55 years and i like your style and i enjoy your videos

[@robinsonsauto]

Truly means a lot to me reading this, I'm glad you enjoyed. Hope I make it as long 👍

[@joodaye2492]

will words cant explain how good u r as a mechanic and a great man

[@robinsonsauto]

Jo O'Daye thank you for the kind positive feedback! Truly means allot and keeps me posting 👍👍👍👍👍

[@robinsonsmotorcycleandauto3929]

Liked your intro on this Video. Great job will showing the proper steps in replacing the control arm and shocks

[@robinsonsauto]

Robinson's Auto Diagnostics thank you. It's one of created years ago just forget it most times 😂👍 thanks for the kind feedback

[@kennethprovost1413]

Excellent demonstration!

[@mariohernandez-tq1vd]

thank you very much to all of yu.I learn new things merry Christmas God bless you guys...

[@Gshock714]

Love the fact that you use Pittsburgh ratchets in a pro shop,I'm a DIYer that works on cars on the wknd and those ratchets really hold up well with lifetime warranty if it breaks.

[@paulcarroll750]

Will, thanks for bringing us along. Your taste in music is good. I do the same thing when i am wrenching, sing along to some old country music.

[@robinsonsauto]

Your welcome. Country, Tools and late nights go hand and hand 👍🎤

[@KevinRapkochFishing]

Great video, thank you very much for making it! I didn't watch this until after I was done doing my 1994 dodge dakota upper control arms. The only part I'm concerned about now is that I tightened the outer nuts on the control arm bushings until barely snug while the truck was lifted, then I put it all together, tire on, lowered the vehicle to full weight on tires, then I finished tightening the control arm bushings. I saw the control arm rotate upwards as the vehicle dropped... But I don't want to much pressure/binding on the bushings. Should I loosen the bushing nuts completely, jack it back up to sag the suspension, then lower the vehicle back down, then tighten bushing nuts?

[@Joshuavila_jpg]

I appreciate this video dearly 🤘👌

[@Candoit2]

Thanks. Wll! You made a hard look easy!!

[@LigerTigerOP]

First time viewer. Thank you for making this video. I have an 04 Dakota that I've been doing work on. This is very helpful.

[@spelunkerd]

Nice job, Will!

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Great job Will , Another one down man .. !

[@josephcastile5551]

great video and I'm so glad I live in a rust-free state of Georgia

[@robinsonsauto]

Joseph Castile thank you 👍 I'm jealous now 😕

[@tomc8157]

I live in northeast and my daily driver 96 Dakota is rust free. And I plow with it! Don't care where you live, rust prevention is king. See a speck of rust, get on it before it gets worse.

[@spiderdad00]

Great VIDEO Will

[@robinsonsauto]

Tim webb thank you Tim

[@ozzstars_cars]

Nice job with the vid Will, should be helpful to many people

[@meeshobatayeh3413]

Thanks man that video help me out

[@OneAuto]

Woah that looked a rust bucket Will. You did well not to break out the torch on that one. Good job 👍

[@robinsonsauto]

One Auto, it sure was a crusty one to say the least, thanks for the kind feedback as always Rob it's appreciated glad to have you around.

[@charlese.malone2594]

I was wondering If I was watching an SMA video with all that RUST, then I realized she was a Second GEN and most likely would have been recycled by now (If it had lived a life in NY). LOl (Then again, it could have relocated) Nice Job Will.

[@mauriciogalvis4708]

Robinson Thanks a lot for a great video!!! Quick question, can I replaced the shocks on the ground or I have to lift my truck?

[@FSAUDIOGUY]

Top Notch Work! TY :)

[@amcclaur80012]

Thank you

[@tylerrussell6415]

Good content. Seems like aircompressor is having a hard time keeping up. I've switched to all cordless

[@fgbestwayInc]

Nice video very detailed. Did You ever replace upper control arm mounting bracket?

[@bodgitandleggitgarage]

Great job mate glad we don't get all that rust here

[@robinsonsauto]

bodgit and leggit garage thank you for the kind feedback mate! Always a pleasure

[@zerostarfree]

do you have a video on lower control arm replacement?

[@paulmayou370]

Great video Will truck was a bit rusty lol i think it needed some more nice new shiney parts fitting and i so love your singing perhaps a new carear if you fancy a change lol keep the great work going mate onto the next

[@enriqueviquez8316]

are you using chrome sockets for impact tools? safety first!

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

I like that design where you can just replace the arms without fighting with the crossbolts. Of course as KZbinrs we want to see a fight. I presume there is enough movement in the mountains to perform a camber and caster adjustment? Thanks for the excellent video.

[@emtscythe3782]

Man I love to watch people install things properly. Nice job will. Have you tried the 80/20 Acetone/Transmission fluid mix for penetrating fluid? Works amazing.

[@robinsonsauto]

Thank you for the kind feedback! I really should try to make a batch. 80/20 will give that a shot

[@emtscythe3782]

robinsonsauto You will love it. I got my son using it, He’s a Master Dodge Tech He uses it now on the 3/4 and 1 Ton Dodge hubs. Takes him a 1/4 of the time to get them off. Keep up the good work Will.

[@sbeaver9]

Good video, how long did both sides take to do?

[@williamwalker3163]

I see a lot of people asking if this truck is 4wd. Some of you will be offended by my comment, but it is meant as a warning. If you cannot tell by watching the video, this is not a project you should be doing on your own. The springs or torsion bars on the front of these have a lot of energy waiting to be unleashed if you take off the wrong part, or jack it up incorrectly. This truck is 4wd as evidenced by the drive shaft going to the wheel, also it has torsion bars and not coil springs. Be careful taking apart front suspensions and get help from someone that has experience, you do not want to learn the hard way in this area. Stay safe.

[@63256325N]

Just a wee bit O rust on that one.....thanks for the video.

[@lstevens1512]

Dang. Your good. All that work and not bloody knuckles.😅

[@michaelberner6600]

I took my control arm out but i cant get the hole the ball joint goes into to line up. I dont know if the cv axle came out or not, if you could help me out I would appreciate it :(

[@christoefur944]

At about 1:58 those two bolts are in odd positions on my truck. How are those supposed to be positioned, twords myself or away?

[@frankrobey8976]

What size bolt holds a frame on I had to cut mine

[@Badgertronix]

That sure was a crusty heap! At least it will ride well after your fine work

[@robinsonsauto]

Sure was, the sad part is this truck sat most all it's life. Just turned 50k. Thanks for the kind words

[@wyattoneable]

The owner of this vehicle was smart to have some work done. By a professional I might add!

[@robinsonsauto]

wyattoneable I'm glad he did as well. Thanks for the kind feedback

[@R.E.HILL_]

Nice one.. Do we get an engine rebuild series for Christmas present this year? ☺

[@robinsonsauto]

I will do my best to get on that small block build again. Been wanting to 👍 I do have a engine swap in the shop as we speak. I could share that but i started taking taking apart some already. That's a small block crate engine.

[@R.E.HILL_]

robinsonsauto sounds promising. If you do a video.... I'll watch. ☺

[@ericcorse]

Hank Jr. is good but Sr. was da man. It went well considering this rusty stuff can be crap shoot. Hope y'all had a good Thanksgiving.

[@robinsonsauto]

Eric Corse yes I love them both, I was worried at time thankfully all went well. Thanks for the feedback and well wishes. Hope the same for your family

[@odm3762]

could you share where you order the upper control arm assemblies?

[@mfinlon]

Odie, if you find out let us know. I've been unable to find upper control arm assemblies for a RWD 1999 Dodge Dakota

[@odm3762]

Matthew Finlon I had to order mine from a scrapyard. It was rutted pretty bad so I am only using the shaft a that the pet I broke when I was trying to replace the bushings.

[@throttlebottle5906]

aww heck, that ball-joint had at least 30K left yet :)) surprised that thing wasn't dribbling violently all over the road as it destroyed tires

[@robinsonsauto]

Maybe 😉 I have seen worse lol some say they can walk on fire as well. Not sure I would recommend that 😂 it was starting, tires are a tad choppy

[@mfinlon]

Was this a RWD or 4WD Dodgle Dakota? I have a 1999 Dodge Dakota RWD and I've been pulling my hair out trying to find complete upper control arms with ball joints anywhere for purchase. Every place I look says they are for 4WD only. You can find the lower control arms for the RWD but not the upper. Found a pair on eBay listed for $142 and the next day went I went on to buy them they had mysteriously been jacked up to almost $600!!!

[@JagexAnarchy]

have you found an upper control arm set? i am looking as well for same make and model lol

[@keeghannelson3276]

Was this a 4x4 Dakota?

[@dougasbailey6864]

Where's the springs on that truck?

[@roadkill5333]

Hey Will, there's a new product out, that you brush on, and it turns rotten rusty metal into something more usable. BUT BE WARNED! If you used it on that truck, it could have turned it into a Ford!!!

[@robinsonsauto]

roadkill5333 hahaha I love it 😂👍 what a surprise that would have been. Sir your Ford is ready for pick up🐒😱😂

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

FORD = F*cked Over Rebuilt Dodge ;)

[@angelahighwolf]

Lol... I listen to country and sing when I fix my Durango, too.

[@SteveRobReviews]

Sure was crusty :) on the front shocks especially on Astro vans where the threads are buggered and won't budge I pry it back and forth with a breaker bar till it snaps off the stud below the nut . A country singer eh. LOL

[@robinsonsauto]

STEVE ROB REVIEWS indeed, yes that's the best way most times lol notice I'm still turning wrenches 😂

[@shannonlawsonnashville]

You listen to the same music as I do

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

That's sure one crusty ride! Must belong to a fellow New Yorker :)

[@robinsonsauto]

Sometimes I feel I'm getting their over flow work lol 😂 sadly it happens here in PA as well

[@tam1381]

Nice video. Was that Elvis singing at 16.00....

[@robinsonsauto]

Tam Couch thank you. lol Yes he strolls into the shop often 😎🎤🎶

[@josephdenault6437]

It is Waylon Jennings

[@ziggiesaquaticexotics8270]

One owner clean California truck with zero rust from the Arizona not a scratch or dent in it anywhere new shocks! Lol

[@wysetech2000]

Another almost a gravy job.

[@robinsonsauto]

wysetech2000 lol one day i may get a true gravy job in 😂👍

[@baddriversofnorthtexas6850]

Definitely not a rust problem.

[@robinsonsauto]

Bad Drivers of North Texas rust free 🙈

[@650gringo]

I live in Arizona and I have never seen that much rust on anything. You should move to AZ and work on rust free cars.

[@robinsonsauto]

I wouldn’t know how to act lol 😅 Would be nice I’m sure

[@ziggiesaquaticexotics8270]

Those new arms looks like way less beefy then what's on my 98 rn those seem like way less metal u think it Matters

[@rrmech11]

I deal with the same rust here in Indiana

[@robinsonsauto]

It's a shame to say the least.

[@ziggiesaquaticexotics8270]

Wallace and grommet n she's out lol

[@greygoosemafia]

Ohh man... I hate those riveted ball joints............. I've had a few customers with durangos and dakotas of those original ball joints..... PITA!!!

[@EXOVCDS]

How is your music not being flagged by youtube??? Oh... and good video!

[@robinsonsauto]

Thomas EXOVCDS the intro is from KZbin creator they give you free options to choose from, just link in the description, the rest was at best 1Osec per clip. If they consider that copyright we would all be screwed. Now if it was complete songs or played for long periods then that would be different. But they may still and I would then need to send back for revaluation. It's a pain. Thanks for stopping by Thomas

[@EXOVCDS]

They have flagged my videos for similar "short" clips of audio... in their "dispute" menu, they don't have options that I can choose, to make it clear to them that it is just short soundbites from the radio. I've created background noise (people chatter & traffic going by) via free soundbites that I found online... youtube has flagged them as being part of music that I have never even heard of before. Again, no real way for me to dispute that it isn't even part of a song!!! 27 claims were sent to me this month... hadn't gotten any all summer. Thankfully they are flagging old old videos of mine, which aren't even monetized! =)

[@robinsonsauto]

Thomas EXOVCDS it’s hit and miss I have around 10 vids flagged as well that didn’t clear after disputing. It’s not right. But yet they started allowing gamers to place adds. Makes no sense. It’s the radio and that makes it hard sometimes I forget

[@rrmech11]

Thomas EXOVCDS i watched your live chat today. Was different but cool. Was hanging out with my buddy that works at midas mufflers. He was impressed with your videos

[@robinsonsauto]

Richard Gill good taste, Thomas is fantastic! Great guy 👍 great content

[@bodgitandleggitgarage]

It is called a split pin🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@robinsonsauto]

Cotter Pin Mate lol i will add this to my dictionary

[@bodgitandleggitgarage]

robinsonsauto lol I will teach you don't worry mate

[@bodgitandleggitgarage]

It's called an upper wishbone🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@robinsonsauto]

Wrong again! Upper control arm mate lol will add this to my dictionary as well haha

[@bodgitandleggitgarage]

robinsonsauto hahahahahah

[@robertlugo7316]

O

[@steveragusa3289]

good vid....but don't sing=lol

[@robinsonsauto]

steve ragusa thank you lol 😂

[@ziggiesaquaticexotics8270]

Das boot lol das auto

[@aux1z11]

All that work in 17 minutes your a slow poke it's only a 7 minute job