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.

Instructions

1

Raise the Dakota's front end and lower it onto jack stands for support. Remove the wheel where the coil spring is.

2

Unbolt and disconnect the stabilizer bar link from the lower control arm, using a wrench.

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.

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.

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.

6

Pull the lower control arm down and remove the compressed coil spring.