Dodge Dakota ForumDodge Dakota PhotosDodgeDakota.net Membership
  Forums   Forum Tools
07:48:35 - 03/29/2024

General Dakota Board
FromMessage
Rascal
Dodge Dakota
 Email

12/15/2001
10:38:17

Subject: Front end clunk resolved
IP: Logged

Message:
My 98 SLT 5.2 has 67k miles. In the past two months, when I would back out of my garage with the wheels turned to the right I would get this clunking noise and it was getting progressively worse. The truck drove fine but lately I could feel this clunk as I came to a stop. It was most noticeable at the drivers floorboard which seemed to be common.
Upon removing the left front wheel, I began to check for a something loose. I found my problem.
I do not know the proper name of these nuts, but there are two bolts that stick up on each side of the top shock mount. The A frame is attached here. The nut closest to the firewall was loose. I tightened it back down and checked all the other nuts, but found no others loose. I then put my wheel back on, torqued it to 105 ft. pounds and the noise is gone.
I hope this helps someone else as I believe it could be a common problem. I would say that I have heard of steering columns being replaced and my guess is that some of these MAY be unnecessary as these may have been tightened as a matter of replace the steering column but then that is just a guess.
Also just added some Rancho side steps that I got off ebay, very strong and neat looking. These will also reduce the door dings from careless folks.
Good luck,
Rascal



2THEXTRM
GenIII
 Email User Profile


12/15/2001
10:57:50

RE: Front end clunk resolved
IP: Logged

Message:
Thanks for the info Rascal, I have had a similar clunking that I have been getting over bumps at highway speeds lately, not real bad, but noticeable. Add that with the popping in the rearend and I am going insane, sounds like I am driving POS. I just ordered some ProComp ES9000's so I'll have to check the rest of the front end bolts while I am in there installing shocks.

I have never heard of Rancho Steps, how much were they and how do they mount to body/frame? Are they life the CARR steps or nerf bars? I have been searching for a good set of steps or bars for my truck that can be used with body lift with little or no modification. My wife likes riding in my lifted Dak but does not like getting in and out without steps, especially with a skirt:) Doesn't look very lady like:)

Thanks for the info!

Flowmaster stainless cat back, Air Raid CAD and homemade TB connect, Splitfire Plugs, 180 T-stat, .76 TPS, 3

Rascal
Dodge Dakota
 Email

12/15/2001
14:48:26

RE: Front end clunk resolved
IP: Logged

Message:
Here is the ebay item598098426 number that I bought from..598098426

I had to drill into my frane to mount the steps. They are heavy steps and they are a solid mount once you get it on. It took me a couple of hours but I am very pleased with the steps. They are black and match my black dak well too.
I mounted the brush guard today and was pleasantly surprised with how easy it was. I mounted a WAAG brushguard on my wife's Montero Sport and it was a BEAR of a job, but my Rancho brushguard went on much easier and appears to be better built than the WAAG.

Rascal




kev
Dodge Dakota
 Email

12/16/2001
18:05:51

RE: Front end clunk resolved
IP: Logged

Message:
Just a note to say you would be better to torque wheel nuts to 90-100 ft lbs. that is because of the 6 lug pattern, i use 90 ft lbs .



Rascal
Dodge Dakota
 Email

12/16/2001
21:49:08

RE: Front end clunk resolved
IP: Logged

Message:
Just another note that the recommended torque is 90-115, thus I use 105 per the factory manual.
Always use the tighter side of a spec than the low one...per Harley-Davidson Factory School.

Rascal



   P 1


Post a reply to this message:

Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages


Name:
Email:
Notify me when I get a reply to my message:Yes  No

Icons:            

Subject:
Message:
 



Home | Forums | Members | Pictures | Contact Us

This site is in no way affiliated with Chrysler or any of its subsidiaries.