2004 Dodge Durango Tie Rod (lower)

[TimHein]

My wife was leaving the parking lot from her work and the lower outer Tie Rod end fell off the vehicle 68,000 miles. Has any one else encountered this probem? Also the parts to fix are not available. Anybody have any ideas?

[Benzman]

Can you tell if the nut fell off of the joint, or did the joint rust out and come apart?
Autozone.com lists tie rod ends. Part # ES3571 is for the 2WD 4.7L. Should be able to find them at one of the parts stores.

[TimHein]

No the nut DID NOT fall off. The ball came loose from the cap, so it was in two pieces. My vehicle is 4x4 with the Hemi, and there are no parts available that I can find through Dodge or even after-market. I did some more research today through the local Dodge dealer and also aftermarket. Not a good situation.

[Benzman]

Did the dealer say why it wasn't available? Maybe too many failures.

[TimHein]

I made a phone call to chrysler today and neither the Dealer or Chrysler are aware of any problems at this time, (hum). It does seem rather odd to me!! As of today through the local dealer there were 191 on back-order with no date for release.

[rhandwor]

Try napa or another parts store which sells to mechanics. Moog or TRW make parts of this type. Surely a parts store has one in a warehouse you can get overnight.
In a worst case buy a scrap yard part but only to get you by till you can buy a new one. Greese it when you install it. Make sure their isn't excessive slop in it before you pay for it.
Many I've had to use yellow pages and a phone start at the top and work down. Ask Advance if their ware house has one. Even Autozone sells two or 3 different brands check all of them.

[rhandwor]

Best suspension an ebay store listed both the two outer and the two inner in stock. This would be the way to go replace all 4 pieces.
http://www.ebay.com/
I purchased four ball joints from him for my pickup. He ships promptly.