Dodge Dakota Front Coil Spring Removal
The Dodge Dakota's suspension is different from most vehicles. The front coil springs are separate from the shock absorbers, rather than being a part of the full shock absorber assembly. Also, the coil springs are installed only on two-wheel-drive models. Be very careful when removing a coil spring from the truck because it is under tremendous tension. This removal process will vary depending on the exact year of your Dodge Dakota.
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Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Tire iron
- Wrench
- Locking pliers
- Spring compressor
- Ball joint puller
Instructions
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1
Raise the Dakota's front end and lower it onto jack stands for support. Remove the wheel where the coil spring is.
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2
Unbolt and disconnect the stabilizer bar link from the lower control arm, using a wrench.
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3
Remove the shock absorber's upper mounting bolt while gripping the shock rod's flat ends with a second wrench or a pair of locking pliers. Remove the two lower mounting bolts and the shock absorber.
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4
Connect a spring compressor tool to the coil spring. Compress the spring until there is no pressure in the spring seats and you can wiggle the spring. Follow the compressor's specific instructions.
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5
Pull out the cotter pin in the ball joint's castle nut and loosen the nut by a few turns. Connect a ball joint removal tool to the nut and separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle.
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6
Pull the lower control arm down and remove the compressed coil spring.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Do not compress the spring too much or you could damage it.
