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.
Raise the Dakota's front end and lower it onto jack stands for support. Remove the wheel where the coil spring is.
Unbolt and disconnect the stabilizer bar link from the lower control arm, using a wrench.
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.
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.
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.
Pull the lower control arm down and remove the compressed coil spring.
