I'm back to let everyone know that my clunking and slamming was indeed the lower sway arm/stabalizer bushings X 2. Very easy fix for the home mechanic. two bolts each side of underside of lower control arms. Ten minutes and the job was done. A nice bumpy test drive with certified technician under normal and harsh driving habits. Low and behold no more clunking from control arms. DAKOTA OWNERS before you begin replacing this and that to achieve the quiet ride. Check the bushings for gaps between the bar and the bushings.Any gaps replace the two lower bushings then go for a ride. It worked for me! (note) slight heat applied to the bushing retainer bolts and control arm, easy 1 2 3. Thanks Greg H

Just had the ball joints replaced and clunk clunk clunk from the front end again, Truck was inspected by two vehicle technicians and still no results 11-25-08 The front suspension was checked three times including myself to see if any areas were overlooked. The control arms and bushings were tested (ok) the entire steering system was checked (ok) the hubs (ok) shocks a little rusty but (ok) torsion bars (ok) I don't think there is anything else to check. DAKOTA OWNERS BEWARE KEEP READING ARTICLES LIKE THIS TO SEE WHAT MAY HAPPEN TO YOU OR SOME ONE YOU KNOW. lol Thanks Greg H