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lllvibelll
Dodge Dakota
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5/26/2006
00:51:08
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 Subject: Got my truck back from the dealership
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Took my 00 Dak in to get the ball joints replaced and was told that not only were the ball joints bad but the rack and pinion system was worn and needed to be replaced and that the intermediate shaft had some play in it and needed to be fixed. Total $2,600 to fix it. I said...uhh...that's alright. Also told me that the extended warranty only went up to 100k miles and my truck was at 105k so they wouldn't fix the ball joints. I know that the intermediate shaft being loose is a problem (dangerous) and that at the very least it and the ball joints need to be replaced. Was hoping I could get some info/links on what all this would entail.
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jpkomm
Dodge Dakota
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5/26/2006
07:24:11
|  RE: Got my truck back from the dealership
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Is yours a 2wd or 4wd? I was thinking it was lifetime replacement of the lower ball joints on 4wd models.
If I were you, I'd try another dealership. Some will replace the balljoints even if they are slightly over warranty. If they won't do it, you'd be better off just buying some Moog balljoints and having a local shop do it. Did they say what was worn in the R&P system? If I were you, I'd look for a parts yard and get a R&P. All-in-all, $2600 is a bit ridiculous.
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Joe.c
Dodge Dakota
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5/26/2006
16:20:48
| RE: Got my truck back from the dealership
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to me that just rediculous that you had to replace you ball joints and rack and pinion system was worn out when you truck only had just over 105K miles on it. Of course my ball joints will need replacing soon also.
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lllvibelll
Dodge Dakota
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5/26/2006
17:42:08
| RE: Got my truck back from the dealership
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No they didn't give any specifics about the R&P. and yeah it's 2WD. I was also going to ask if it was really only extended to 100k or if they were just trying to get out of doing the work. Think I'll try another dealership like you suggested.
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Jerry
Dodge Dakota
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5/26/2006
19:42:01
| RE: Got my truck back from the dealership
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I'd put out $1300 for an extended warranty first. LOL I bought an extened warranty for my 2001 durango when I bought it. after 75 miles the tranny went out and the warranty company paid all but $300 for the rebuild. I haven't checked if it will pay for ball joints yet, but they seem to be fine -so far at 97,000 miles.
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shatto
Dodge Dakota
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5/26/2006
20:34:31
| RE: Got my truck back from the dealership
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Cowpies!
Get a second opinion. Then ask some other mechanic.
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toolfan
GenIII
5/27/2006
03:24:13
|  RE: Got my truck back from the dealership
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dont worry about the rack-n-pinion they can have some play. as long as its not leaking fluid and it feels like it should, i wouldn't worry about it.
go to another deal like one said for the ball joints and ask them what they think about the rack-n-pinion too.
the rack-n-pinion is $700 through the dealership
Rockauto.com $300 unless you return the old rack than its only $150
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lllvibelll
Dodge Dakota
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5/27/2006
18:35:41
| RE: Got my truck back from the dealership
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I was going to ask if these upper ball joints would suffice http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://thefuntimesguide.com/images/blogs/brown_recluse_spider_bite_Day9.jpg&imgrefurl=http://thefuntimesguide.com/movabletype/archives/2005/07/brownrecluse.html&h=600&w=800&sz=20&tbnid=ylotZuRzEQYRSM:&tbnh=106&tbnw=142&hl=en&start=2&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbrown%2Brecluse%2Bbite%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DN
or if I should get the Moog ones??
Also, I had initially took my truck in to just have the ball joints replaced and ended up getting a $70 diagnosis, (which was good, but) how do I make sure this doesn't happen at the next dealership?? Sorry if that's a stupid question.
Thanks guys!
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jpkomm
Dodge Dakota
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5/27/2006
22:17:53
| RE: Got my truck back from the dealership
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Argh! The ads strike again!
Uhh.. that site is to a Brown Recluse spider info site. Anyways, I've heard it said many times that if you want to replace your ball joints again, go with another brand. If you never want to change them again, go with Moogs.
They charged you $70 to tell you your ball joints were bad?! Geez! My advice is to take it to a reputable local shop or tire center. They will usually check your ball joints for free because it is a part that involves the person's safety. Did the dealer say it was just the uppers that were bad or the uppers and lowers? Eh, you may not even want to mess with taking it to another dealer and handle it all locally. The only thing dealers are really good for are warranty repairs and recalls (even then they can be a hassle).
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Shatto
Dodge Dakota
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5/27/2006
23:18:02
| RE: Got my truck back from the dealership
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IIIvibeIII,
Every 50,000 miles, or so, whip out your jack, place it under the A-Arm and raise the tire off the ground.
Grasp the top and bottom of the tire and do the push-pull thing. If there is movement you must check the ball joints to see where the looseness is.
If you do the same manuver with your hands at the 3 and 9 position of the tire you can check your steering. If there is some play it isn't important, but you can see where it is.
The above does not work if you jack from the frame, or use a lift.
You can save about $400.00 by replacing the rivited ball joints and not buying the entire assembly.
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TexasTodd
Dodge Dakota
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5/29/2006
19:51:52
| RE: Got my truck back from the dealership
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I've got ~97K miles on my 01, QC, 2wd. I'm in China right now, but i'm taking it in for the upper ball joint replacement under the extended/recall warranty when I get back next week.
The service writer on the phone said, no problem, it's a one day job. they are going to do the wiring in the steering column at the same time.
I hope this all goes well, for free like it should be, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
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modain
GenIII
5/30/2006
02:19:06
| RE: Got my truck back from the dealership
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Make sure the dealer aligns it when they are done with the ball joints. When I got my Durango back the steering wheel was not centered (it was when I took it in), and it had a slight drift to the left. I complained about it and took it back in. They "checked" it and reported it was within mfgr's specifications. I took it to my tire guy, he aligned it because it was off according to his alignment machine. $40 later the steering wheel was back where it was and it drives straight. Jerks!
What's your left foot doing?
=========================================
2002 Graphite QC SLT Plus, 4.7L, NV3500, Superchips 3715, 3.92 LSD, loads o'fun...
2001 Patriot Blue Durango SLT, 4.7L, 45RFE, Superchips 3715, 3.55 Open (for now)
1999 Forest Green Dakota RC Sport, 2.5L, NV1500, 3.55 Open
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Shatto
Dodge Dakota
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5/30/2006
06:31:53
| RE: Got my truck back from the dealership
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Firestone, and I'm sure other places also have a lifetime alignment for around $130.00.
I use it every 10,000 miles, or so.
I have gone 500,000 miles.
Think it was good for me?
Heh, heh, heh.
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Bump
Dodge Dakota
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6/01/2006
01:42:46
| RE: Got my truck back from the dealership
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Bump
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lllvibelll
Dodge Dakota
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6/01/2006
11:00:41
| RE: Got my truck back from the dealership
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lol
Just got some moogs online and going to swap em out soon, thanks again guys!
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