The front end held up very well considering how I have driven the truck and
the first owner plowed with it. I did discover it still had original ball
joints on the right side. I had replaced the left after I broke the torsion
bar while out wheeling but never did the right. I was usually pretty
diligent about greasing the front end and although worn, everything was in
OK shape. I only decided to replace the steering box because there was a
little play in the front end and I wanted to rule out everything while I had
the truck apart. It probably didn't need to be changed. Most of the parts
that are coming off the truck are going to be used on stuff around Phil's
farm.
The front diffs on the early Daks are vacuum actuated.
I does help to have the right tools. I'm doing this up at my Buddy's farm
where he has a big compressor, air tools and various welding equipment. His
brother is a welder by profession and he is taking care of the welding and
fabrication that is required.
Walt Felix
88½ Dakota Sport 4x4, 2000 Ram 1500 QuadCab Sport 4x4 and a 67 Barracuda
Coupe 340/4Speed
Walt@Walt-n-Ingrid.COM
http://WWW.Walt-n-Ingrid.COM
http://WWW.MoparsinMotion.COM
>------------------------------
>
>Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2000 09:16:44 -0500
>From: "Kyle Kozubal" <grndak4x4@home.com>
>Subject: Re: DML: First Pictures of Gen I Lift in Progress.
>
>
>Walt,
>Just curious but how have the front end steering components held up over
>the
>years on your Dakota? Obviously it is a good time to replace these things
>since you have it all apart. The only parts I have replaced is the ilder
>arm
>at 98,000 miles and the pitman arm at 110,000 miles. The ball joints(both
>upper and lower) and tie rod ends(inner and out) are still very tight with
>no play/slop in them. You are even going to replace the steering box eh?
>Those Baja Claws really have some impressive looking tread on them,
>especially with the 6 ply sidewall compound!!! Also, on your Daks front IFS
>Axle, what is the small box mounted to the passenger's side of the axle? It
>appears to be some kind of vacuum box? I didnt know the old Daks used
>vacuum
>for front diff engagement if that is actually what it is. Well god luck
>anyways, looks like you know what you are doing and looks like you have the
>tool the do so.......nice torch tanks :)
>Kyle
>93 Dakota 4x4 V6
>
>------------------------------
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