It is easier if you disconnect the steering linkage from the steering gear, then you will be able to remove the starter from the side of the wheel well and it is a little easier to get to bolts. It's still a pain to do this repair. Also it's impossible to remove the battery cable without removing the starter bolts first.
So damn funny!! I heard you in my head for two days as I tackled this job! I too couldn’t get the 5/8 bolt nor 5/8 nut to crack! My newly acquired 1999 Dakota 4x4 5.2L automatic 146,000miles sat for 2 years! Replaced Oil Pressure Sensor twice and pigtail! 3 sludge oil changes and now starter! Fortunately the starter did go through the hole but concerned for brake lines! I’m old with not much strength in my hands… I dropped the starter into hellhole 4x4 metal skid plate and brackets in the way! Suggestion: Stuff a roll of paper towels first! You made it fun in my head while I’m bitching out loud!! Good luck to you and your family!
Having it done right now, My Friend said he was up for the Challenge and received it. Seems that King Kong Tightly put the bolts on the starter, because its Tighter than a virgin frogs ass I tell you what!! Lmao
You only have to remove the front skid plate. Once you have the starter off, you can reach down from the top of the engine bay to remove it, the. Put the new one in the same way. Connect the wires then bolt in the starter. Done in an hour or so. 2001 R/T 5.9.
Hey man my starter just shit out on me. luckily the collars the bolts go through broke And the bolts just fell out. went to start it yesterday and realized the wires were the only thing holding it in. fucking dodge! anyhow today I spent HOURS trying to get it out with no luck. I read that it comes out through the hole under the steering knuckle but that's fucking possible. luckily you figured out the cross member thing. I'm going to do that first thing in the morning. this video was a life savor!
Did mine today... Not the funnest job, but not the worst. Had to jimmy rig an extension for my ratchet. Would not have been able to complete the job without it. Believe it or not... I was able to fit the new starter back through that plastic shielding crap, but it definitely took some time and extra encouragement getting it through.
Did it myself yea the only way your getting it out is getting rid of the scrape pans and im telling you I didn't even put my durango on a jack and lifted it glad I have mine lifted didnt even pull the tire my head was inside the wheel well lol only took me like 2 hours to take it out and realize it was my battery not teh starter cleaned it and put it back im dumb 🙃
Took me 3 hours, same year Durango, same engine. Used a combination of a 10" piece of 3/4" pipe on my ratchet handle + a pipe wrench on the pipe (pulling the pipe wrench sideways) to break the mounting nut and bolt loose, as you did with the wheel off (a long box end wrench might work as well as the pipe wrench). Save yourself some agony and disconnect the steering shaft at the steering box (one bolt, very easy) and set it to the side before you start working on the starter bolts, my shaft set up on something on the engine, didn't notice what it was. Leave the other end connected, the shaft will swing right out of the way. Then you can skip taking the skid plate off and pull the starter out through the front. Once you get the mounting bolts loose it's a pretty easy job. And I ended up breaking off the clip that supports the transmission lines off the upper starter bolt, it was in the way of removing & replacing the starter. My bad.
On my 2000 5.2L Its so much easier to take it off from underneath the car. The first time I messed with the starter I did it the way that everyone says which is the way your doing it and I completely agree it was a nightmare. Now I just jack up the driverside wheel and do it from underneath and its so much smoother of a process.
lol omg mister u had me and my hubby laughing so fuckin hard...my hubby has the same problem lol he beat the shit out it for so long lol so that day came when it wouldn't start no more lol he beat the starter like it was no tomorrow lol so when we saw ur video it just made our day...😂😂😂😂😂
I appreciate this video. lol They are a bitch and a half to pull out through the fender well cover but it can be done. It's just the worst mind eff'n puzzle you ever attempt. It is MUCH easier your way, from underneath the Dodge. If you replace the starter I suggest using light duty locktite on the bolt and nut, they tend to become loose for some unknown eff'n reason.
I had starter swapped in less than an hour. Even with old rusty bolts that had never been touched. Loosen skid plate and let it hang. Starter came out wheel well and new one went back in same way. I didn't have to remove wheel either just turned wheels hard right. I parked drivers wheel on a 4- 5 inchcurb and didn't jack it up. I thought it was easy. Not trying to be like a hater on your video but it was a breeze compared to my 90 Dakota 3.9L where I had to loosen left motor mount and jack engine so it twisted after taking exhaust loose.
It is easier if you disconnect the steering linkage from the steering gear, then you will be able to remove the starter from the side of the wheel well and it is a little easier to get to bolts. It's still a pain to do this repair. Also it's impossible to remove the battery cable without removing the starter bolts first.
So damn funny!! I heard you in my head for two days as I tackled this job! I too couldn’t get the 5/8 bolt nor 5/8 nut to crack! My newly acquired 1999 Dakota 4x4 5.2L automatic 146,000miles sat for 2 years! Replaced Oil Pressure Sensor twice and pigtail! 3 sludge oil changes and now starter! Fortunately the starter did go through the hole but concerned for brake lines! I’m old with not much strength in my hands… I dropped the starter into hellhole 4x4 metal skid plate and brackets in the way! Suggestion: Stuff a roll of paper towels first! You made it fun in my head while I’m bitching out loud!! Good luck to you and your family!
Getting ready to tackle this job today so I laughed my ass off thanks bro your hilarious, I appreciate the advice !!
Having it done right now, My Friend said he was up for the Challenge and received it. Seems that King Kong Tightly put the bolts on the starter, because its Tighter than a virgin frogs ass I tell you what!! Lmao
You only have to remove the front skid plate. Once you have the starter off, you can reach down from the top of the engine bay to remove it, the. Put the new one in the same way. Connect the wires then bolt in the starter. Done in an hour or so. 2001 R/T 5.9.
i've learned 2 things
1. changing my starter is finna be a *bitch
2. maybe if I smack the shit outta it I wont have to.
Hey man my starter just shit out on me. luckily the collars the bolts go through broke And the bolts just fell out. went to start it yesterday and realized the wires were the only thing holding it in. fucking dodge! anyhow today I spent HOURS trying to get it out with no luck. I read that it comes out through the hole under the steering knuckle but that's fucking possible. luckily you figured out the cross member thing. I'm going to do that first thing in the morning. this video was a life savor!
Did mine today... Not the funnest job, but not the worst. Had to jimmy rig an extension for my ratchet. Would not have been able to complete the job without it.
Believe it or not... I was able to fit the new starter back through that plastic shielding crap, but it definitely took some time and extra encouragement getting it through.
Did it myself yea the only way your getting it out is getting rid of the scrape pans and im telling you I didn't even put my durango on a jack and lifted it glad I have mine lifted didnt even pull the tire my head was inside the wheel well lol only took me like 2 hours to take it out and realize it was my battery not teh starter cleaned it and put it back im dumb 🙃
Ur only one that I have found that is helpful on finding spot on where the starter is thank u
Took me 3 hours, same year Durango, same engine. Used a combination of a 10" piece of 3/4" pipe on my ratchet handle + a pipe wrench on the pipe (pulling the pipe wrench sideways) to break the mounting nut and bolt loose, as you did with the wheel off (a long box end wrench might work as well as the pipe wrench). Save yourself some agony and disconnect the steering shaft at the steering box (one bolt, very easy) and set it to the side before you start working on the starter bolts, my shaft set up on something on the engine, didn't notice what it was. Leave the other end connected, the shaft will swing right out of the way. Then you can skip taking the skid plate off and pull the starter out through the front. Once you get the mounting bolts loose it's a pretty easy job. And I ended up breaking off the clip that supports the transmission lines off the upper starter bolt, it was in the way of removing & replacing the starter. My bad.
On my 2000 5.2L Its so much easier to take it off from underneath the car. The first time I messed with the starter I did it the way that everyone says which is the way your doing it and I completely agree it was a nightmare. Now I just jack up the driverside wheel and do it from underneath and its so much smoother of a process.
You must have a 2wd then. Big difference with the 4x4. Much less clearance with the front diff and front driveshaft in the way.
lol omg mister u had me and my hubby laughing so fuckin hard...my hubby has the same problem lol he beat the shit out it for so long lol so that day came when it wouldn't start no more lol he beat the starter like it was no tomorrow lol so when we saw ur video it just made our day...😂😂😂😂😂
no jack stand? you are brave. And dude has bald ass tires
wait till you try pulling the transmission dust cover from behind it. fun.
Jennifer Diamonds what do you mean? Just interested because im going to be doing my 5.9L this weekend ?
wouldn't it of been easier just to remove the whole inner wheel well cover?
I had mine removed no different that steering shaft is in the way
I've got a 2000 and I'm not looking forward to do this at all...
got a 99 5.2 durango and quite frankly is the best to work on..
I do as well, any advice? Im doimg mine this weekend, would appreciate any help.
I have the 5.2 and replacing the starter is it easier then the other engines is what u mean?
Holy shit batman, you nailed it. Never again. And at about 400k on our 99, ol" girl is eating the crusher, beach truck or not.
I appreciate this video. lol They are a bitch and a half to pull out through the fender well cover but it can be done. It's just the worst mind eff'n puzzle you ever attempt. It is MUCH easier your way, from underneath the Dodge. If you replace the starter I suggest using light duty locktite on the bolt and nut, they tend to become loose for some unknown eff'n reason.
Liked
what size sockets did you use to get off starter
Ever change a starter on an 02 Taurus 24valve duratech engine? Dodge is simple! But yes, you must have quality tools!
Impacts help slot
I had starter swapped in less than an hour. Even with old rusty bolts that had never been touched. Loosen skid plate and let it hang. Starter came out wheel well and new one went back in same way. I didn't have to remove wheel either just turned wheels hard right. I parked drivers wheel on a 4- 5 inchcurb and didn't jack it up. I thought it was easy. Not trying to be like a hater on your video but it was a breeze compared to my 90 Dakota 3.9L where I had to loosen left motor mount and jack engine so it twisted after taking exhaust loose.
1998 5.2L. On mine. 5.9L may be a tighter fit?
🤣😂🤣😅