6.7

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
$180
Average Mileage:
86,000 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. had ball joint replaced by professional mechanic (1 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
  3. replaced lower ball joints with greasable ones (1 reports)
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problem #3

Jun 022010

Dakota Sport 3.9L

  • Manual transmission
  • 123,000 miles

Sealed ball joints with no grease fittings are great the first few years, but when the rubber/plastic seal fails, and the grease works out and/or gets contaminated with dirt, replacement is the only option. Chrysler complicated replacement with lower ball joints that are riveted to the control arm. Each of the two lower ball joints had 4 rivets. I had to grind 16 rivet heads off, and drill out 8 rivet bodies to remove the old ball joints. My tools were a Dremel, 25 cutting wheels, a drill, and one titanium drill bit. It took about a week, working a couple of hours every night. If I had it to do all over again, I would buy an electric grinder.

- Dj M., Robinson, IL, US

problem #2

Nov 142008

Dakota 4x4 Sport 5.2L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

How can dodge not admit that a problem with the front suspension on the 98 Dakota

whether its 2x4 or 4x4. one of these days someone will get hurt or killed not to mention that the truck will have tremendous damage if a failure happens.so the Dakota owners need to figure this out before it happens like the Durangos

- Greg H., West Allis, WI, US

problem #1

Dec 182003

(reported on)

Dakota Sport

  • 55,000 miles

Should be reimbursed by Dodge for design problem: no grease fitting on ball joint. For heavy-duty use, this joint requires lubrication.

- Mark N., Cleveland, OH, US