Possible bad install of SRT suspension

[Bubba's Dragon]

Didn't want to hijack a thread so started my own: Hope this can help some one.

Just wanted to show a picture of some of the problems I have had with the possibly the people that did my install of the SRT suspension.
I just got done with my 20,000 mile check up and I’m really pissed, I was expecting to get a clean bill of health on the Dragon and the Chrysler Worker comes out with a sick list. I’m shocked. After talking for a bit, he finally decides to just show me what is wrong. I think… not sure if this could have been done by wear and tear….. the people that installed the shock ripped a rubber seal and one of my shocks are leaking. I’m not sure how I can get the parts replaced by Dodge.
So if you do this install be careful and use the right tools, I think this might of caused the rip on the boot (I don’t think they did)
Last thing, anyone know if the part being pointed at with a ball pen can be replaced by its self or do you need a complete new spindle?

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j5/baraxin/untitled-1.jpg

[fnkychkn]

chrysler does not sell the dust boot or the ball joint seperately. they are serviced with the knuckle.

[Bubba's Dragon]

Thanks FNKY for the bad news.... I guess ill need to get a part time Job to pay for this.. =(

[Todd TCE]

Clean the area real well with a towel and put some silicone over the area of the hole. Smear it around and let it sit. Won't cure the problem but certainly get you some time and keep out the rocks/debris.

[Bubba's Dragon]

I was hopping that this thing could be pressed out and a new one installed but guess not.. I hope a vendor can give me a good deal on this part or maybe check on a new one. I guess I could add new brakes while doing this ^^ If anyone had a used drivers side spindal let me know ^^

[Hemi31]

The leaking shock wouldn't be thier fault.....who did you buy the suspension from?I would take the shock up with them.

[Bubba's Dragon]

I got it used from Scott at GSM, no warranty on it I bet since it was used. Funky do you think this could be covered on waranty the bottom boot? I know the shock would not be... anyone else..

[Hemi31]

No,they used a pickle fork to seperate the ball joint.Why the hell they took apart the lower I don't know.

[Bubba's Dragon]

Yea I gave the guy the install manul and he crapped it up, not its going to cost me big time.. By chance do you live by a wrecking yard? Need a used one.. ^^

[Todd TCE]

No,they used a pickle fork to seperate the ball joint.Why the hell they took apart the lower I don't know.

Why the hell they used a pickle fork tells me they don't have much experience taking ball joints out...at least now without selling you a new one with boot..."Your'e boot was ripped so we had to replace the bj for you while we were in the". yea, right.

[Silver Steel RT]

Wow that sucks. I would really want to know why the guy that did your install had to seperate the ball joint, though. I put mine on myself and know for sure that it's not necessary.

[Cam]

We'll it's a proven that who ever did the install was a complete bonehead. So $10 says the reason your shock is leaking is that he could not tighten the rod nut and held the shock shaft with a set of channel locks and damaged the shaft, thus wiping out the seal.

Good luck bud.

[Bubba's Dragon]

Well need a little help if anyone can provide the last 8 numbers of a SRT Vin so I can get a new shock and maybe I can find a used drivers side spindal... plus I guess will need new bearings and seals... No more mods for a while..
Thanks for the input also.

[boggart]

If you're looking at buying new struts, then look at the ST coilover kit from HHP, price might be close enough to the same that you want to go that way.

[Cam]

Here ya go.

VIN # 2D8GV77366H426158

[Bubba's Dragon]

Thanks a lot ^^ Just going to replace the one shock and try to find a used spindle for the drivers side. Any recommendations.. yea I'm home spell check.... on a company that might be able to get it through. Tried the vendors here and no luck. I'll check with the Chrysler dealership near my house also, So we can compare the price. Thanks CAM for the vin and you folks again...

[Hemi31]

Try here......
http://www.clevelandpickapart.com/Dodge.htm

[DannyC]

Maybe I missed something here, is the shock leaking too? All I see is the boot on the lower ball joint torn.

I don't know why he took the bottom loose either. I did take the top one loose, when I put on the Eibachs, so I could get the strut out and back in easier, but a couple of hard whacks with a hammer on the spindle and it popped loose. No pickle forks or special tools.

fnky are you saying you can't buy a replacement ball joint? They come with the boots.

If all he's looking at is ball joint replacement it should be reasonable.

[Carfinish]

good recommendation Erik...they have struts and springs...best offer...
they have more

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2006-06-300C-300-SRT8-OEM-Front-Shocks-Struts-SRT-8_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33590QQihZ020QQitemZ3 00030485097QQtcZphoto

[Bubba's Dragon]

I already have the SRT suspension put on, just need one shock (passenger side) ill get the model number Sunday, since I have to put the car on a lift to get it. Want to make sure I get the same exact thing. Now the ball joint. I hope some aftermarket place, maybe NAPA or Schucks or other part place sells the lower ball joint. Crap being in Korea some times can suck. I cant understand why they don't sell replacement ball joints, the car is three years old...

[Bubba's Dragon]

FRICK FRACK hI!

i would suggest trying to get a balljoint boot that is for another car to fit.. as the lx price on the knuckle is $500.25 cdn. $194.25 is the price for a passenger side front shock..

The heat shrink won't work.. the ball joint moves and the tube will simply fall off.. but good thinking!!

adam

What a way to Start a Saturday!

[Bubba's Dragon]

Guess what, going to cost about $100 bucks for a new bushing and $200 for the shock. I guess I'll never go with a to bit shop, going to cost some $$ for the install also.. Crap... cost me $800 bucks to save me $100