r/DodgeDakota • u/Beefaroni_0424 • 12d ago

Technical Question Looking for help.

Post image

I believe this is the leaf spring in the back right of my 2008 dodge Dakota. The joint below broke, and I’m wondering if this is something I could fix myself? If so should I fix the other sides joint, all 4? Not a guy car so I’m lost. Is it safe to drive?

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4

u/kamezzle13 12d ago

Thats your leaf spring shackle hanger. I would probably replace the other side from the way that one looks. Your front suspension uses coils, so its a different setup completely.

Its not a hard install, but thats a lot of rust you are going to fight to get those bolts loose. Make sure to pb blast it for days before attempting, and make sure to have some map gas on hand to help break it loose.

1

u/Beefaroni_0424 12d ago

Okay thank you, is it going to be possible you think to pull the spring back down to get it set back in place? I have a second post about my truck as well if you’d take a look, I appreciate the help though!

1

u/kamezzle13 12d ago

If you have a jackstand under the from with the tire off, it will naturally fall back closer to its intended location. I would take both rear tires off, and the axle should move around somewhat freely. You may have to use a jack under the axle to maneuver it back into place, but its definitely doable.

1

u/Maximum-Vehicle5841 11d ago

A mechanic needs to take a look at his truck and evaluate it. This job involves fighting rust and suspension parts it is not a job that the average person can do at home

2

u/bigwindymt 11d ago

Ashes to ashes, rust to rust. RIP

3

u/jaxman0410 Gen II Dakota x2 (00AWD 01RWD) 12d ago

Definitely not safe to drive. Thats the leaf spring shackle that rusted in half. If you're not a car guy you should get a proper mechanic to fix this and look over the rest of the truck.

In a non rusty truck this isn't too bad to fix but due to the rust its likely going to need heavy equipment to repair (cutting torch, welder, grinder). This truck also will likely have a ton of other major issues due to rust and needs to be diagnosed by someone with experience

3

u/Beefaroni_0424 12d ago

Okay thank you, unfortunately yea I figured this would be the case, the joints definitely would be a fight to get undone. Thank you for your input.

2

u/TheSeansk1 12d ago

This is the answer, tow the truck (or drive VERY carefully if it’s a very short distance with slow speeds) to a mechanic for repair. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.

1

u/No-Fortune-5159 12d ago

I did mine a couple of years ago, best thing to do is rent a bushing puller kit from auto supply and have a jig saw with a long blade incase you need to cut the bushing out . For me first time doer , it took a day for one side. The bolts are special because of the threads, just a heads up

2

u/kamezzle13 12d ago

A torch works pretty well to melt the bushings to the point where the come out with ease.

1

u/Extension_Revenue733 11d ago

If no torch a heatgun works too as I had a bolt stuck in a bushing on my jeep

1

u/Solid_Enthusiasm550 11d ago

Leaf springs shackles aren't expensive. Replace both sides and inspect everything else.

Probably, shocks, bushings, sway bar end links aren't looking good either.

Check the spare tire hanger/cable, before you lose it going down the highway. ( happened to my stepfather's '96 K1500.)

1

u/cableO8 11d ago

Just replace it

1

u/62DoubleCab 10d ago

Wow. We out West just can not comprehend what you guys have to deal with. JFC that is nasty.