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1998 Dodge Dakota Base Reg Cab 112 WB Sport

1998 Dodge Dakota
Trim Info:
Rear Wheel Drive, Reg Cab 6.5'
20 mpg city / 25 mpg hwy
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June 6, 2012, 2:53 pm

Cavin F
 

Question: What size socket takes front axle nut off

I've got 07 dakota larimie 4x4 with 4.7l engine need to know size axle nut going to change lower cotrol arm . And torque spec for putting back on


June 9, 2012, 1:04 am

Tyler O
Expert Mechanic

The manual doesn't list the size of that fastener. Here is the spec and the procedure:

Half shaft nut 251 Nm (185 ft. lbs.)

Removal


REMOVAL

Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
Remove the disc brake caliper assembly.
Remove the disc brake rotor.
Disconnect the wheel speed sensor at the wheel well.



Remove tie rod end jam nut (1).



Disconnect the tie rod (2) from the knuckle using remover C-3894-A (1).



Remove the front halfshaft nut 4X4 .
Remove the upper ball joint nut (1).



Separate the upper ball joint (1) from the steering knuckle (3) with Remover 8677 (2).



Remove the lower ball joint nut (3). Separate the lower ball joint (3) from the steering knuckle (1) with puller 8677 (2).
Remove the steering knuckle.



Remove the stabilizer bar link.
Remove the shock absorber lower bolt (5) and nut (4).



Remove the lower control arm bolts (5), nuts (3) and washers (4).
Remove the lower control arm (6) from the vehicle.


INSTALLATION

NOTE: All suspension components should be tighten with the weight of the vehicle on them (curb height).



Position the lower control arm (6) at the frame rail brackets. Install the pivot bolts (5) washers (4) and nuts (3). Tighten the nuts finger-tight.

CAUTION: The ball joint stud taper must be CLEAN and DRY before installing the knuckle. Clean the stud taper with mineral spirits to remove dirt and grease.



Install the steering knuckle (7).
Insert the lower ball joint (5) into the steering knuckle (7). Install and tighten the retaining nut (6) to 129 Nm (95 ft. lbs.).



Install shock absorber lower bolt (5) and nut (4). Tighten to 210 Nm (155 ft. lbs.).



Install the front halfshaft nut 4X4 .
Insert the upper ball joint (2) into the steering knuckle (7). Install and tighten the retaining nut (1) to 95 Nm (70 ft. lbs.).
Install the stabilizer bar link and tighten to 102 Nm (75 ft. lbs.).



Tighten the lower control arm pivot nut (3) and bolts (5) (to 149 Nm (110 ft. lbs.).



Insert the outer tie rod end (2) into the steering knuckle (5). Install and tighten the retaining nut (1) to 108 Nm (80 ft. lbs.).
Install the disc brake rotor.
Install the disc brake caliper and adaptor assembly and tighten to 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.) .
Install the wheel and tire assembly.
Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
Perform a wheel alignment.


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