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2005 Dodge Caravan Frontend overhaul


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EJO
New User

Jan 8, 2018, 3:59 PM

Post #1 of 5 (2554 views)
2005 Dodge Caravan Frontend overhaul Sign In

I have a 2005 Dodge Caravan with a 3.3L V6 and 180K miles. The inner and outer tie rods are done and need replacing.

While I'm replacing the tie rods, I plan to do the struts, sway bar bushings and the wheel bearings. That's about $350 in parts, is there anything else while I have the front end apart that I should replace that's inexpensive? I would hate to miss something cheap to replace that's part of the steering / suspension system.


Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Jan 8, 2018, 9:05 PM

Post #2 of 5 (2540 views)
Re: 2005 Dodge Caravan Frontend overhaul Sign In

Before you buy the inner tie rods, pull the bellows boots back on both sides of the rack & pinion, if there is fluid in there, then the rack is bad.... Just buy the complete rack, it will come with inner tie rod ends...


(This post was edited by Sidom on Jan 8, 2018, 9:06 PM)


EJO
New User

Jan 9, 2018, 11:13 AM

Post #3 of 5 (2517 views)
Re: 2005 Dodge Caravan Frontend overhaul Sign In

Thanks Sidom,

I have not added any power steering fluid, so hopeful the seals are good. I watched a video on replacing that rack & pinion and that looks like double the work of what I already planned to wrestle it out.

I should have mentioned my goal is to get this car to last me to about 200k which should take me 1 ~ 2 year to add the miles.


Sidom
Veteran / Moderator
Sidom profile image

Jan 9, 2018, 12:39 PM

Post #4 of 5 (2513 views)
Re: 2005 Dodge Caravan Frontend overhaul Sign In

Hopefully you're good....Racks can be a PITA doing them on your back...

You'll find out when you change out the inners, the bellows boots have to come off to change them, any fluid at all wouldn't be a good sign....

There should be a steel band holding them on from the factory, you can use a big zip tie to put the boots back on, the band isn't reusable....


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jan 9, 2018, 2:15 PM

Post #5 of 5 (2507 views)
Re: 2005 Dodge Caravan Frontend overhaul Sign In

Yes, it is a lot more work but if you change all the tie rods and then find out the rack is leaking, you'll be doing it anyway and have wasted all the work and money for the tie rod ends and wheel alignment.



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