Dodge Dakota 4WD 1997 Suspension Parts

Energy Suspension Bushings: Red and Black

What's the difference?

The two different colors are essentially the same at a formula level. Some black components are graphite impregnated as a self-lubricating agent, but overall they are the same part. Graphite is not added to the red formula simply because it changes the color of the bushing.

Bushing hardness by color?

The Durometer (or hardness) of red and black bushings are the same for that position. The different colors do not indicate a higher or lower durometer.

Why buy red bushings?

Red or black bushings is almost entirely an aesthetic choice, there is no real functional difference between the two. Some who drive their vehicles especially hard (track, rally, etc.) sometimes use red bushings because it is easier to see any damage that the bushing might have suffered from extreme conditions.

Are there other bushing colors?

Energy Suspension used to have Yellow and Blue options but they stopped producing components in these colors a long time ago and they are no longer available on the market.

Special Order Details

"Prothane"

This part is not stocked at any of our warehouses. However we can have the part shipped directly to you from the manufacturer Prothane.

We will pay all special order fees. Purchasing a special order part will not cost you any more than if we had stocked it.

Domestic Orders:

For all orders shipping to the United States - the part will ship directly to you from the manufacturer. If you've purchased other parts along with a special order part, we will send them all in one single shipment.

International Orders:

For all orders shipping outside the United States, this part will be shipped directly to our forwarding office. We will fill out the necessary paperwork and forward the part on to you via your selected shipping option. If you've purchased other non special order parts - your entire order will wait to ship until this part has arrived.

Returns

Special Order parts do not qualify for returns. If you purchase a special order part we will not be able to assist you with a return. If your special order part is damaged, or missing a piece we will assist you in promptly receiving the correct order.

Prothane Red vs Black

Black, or Red? Red, or Black?

Prothane makes bushings in both colors. But is there a difference in them? Is one harder than the other? There are a lot of misconceptions about the color difference in Prothane's bushings, so let us at DST clear that up for you.

How are these two colors different?

Aside from the actual color, there isn't really a difference at all between the red and the black. They are the same durometer, or hardness, so they will perform the same and both should last the life of your vehicle.

What about the graphite rumor?

The black bushings do have a small amount of graphite mixed in with the polyurethane which has the potential to help with squeaking. But really, the best way to prevent Prothane bushings from squeaking is to use the supplied pre-lube* and grease them properly at install. So whether you choose the red, or the black, just be sure to grease them properly to avoid any squeaking.

* Some types of bushings only compress, such as body mounts and endlinks, and do not come with grease because they do not need grease. So if your kit comes with grease, be sure to use it!

Why are there so many different sway bar bushing sizes for my application?

Much to the dismay of many buyers - almost all automotive manufacturer's used several different size sway bars in their vehicles. There is no rhyme or reason to this practice. It is random and different between cars of the same make, model, year etc. The ONLY way to ensure you're buying the correct size bushings for your car is to actually physically measure the sway bar. The is most commonly done one of two ways.

• 1 - Wrench method. This is quite simple - just take a set of wrenches and see which one fits over the bar correctly. For example - if a 18mm wrench fits perfectly over your sway bar - then you have an 18mm sway bar! Not all of us are lucky enough to be able to us this method as there are at times mid-sizes like 23.5mm etc. See below if you fall into this category.

• 2 - Crescent Wrench Method. Just a little more complex than the wrench method. Simply tighten down your adjustable crescent wrench down over your sway bar. When it's tight - slip the wrench off and measure between the ends of the prongs. The distance between these is the size of your sway bar.

Buying the correct size bushings is VITAL to ensuring optimum performance from your sway bar. Bushings that are too large will not properly grip and support the sway bar. Likewise bushings that are too small may simply not fit over the bar and make installation impossible.

If you cannot find the correct size sway bar bushings listed under your vehicle's specific category - take a look at the Universal Sway Bar Bushings Page.

Why are there so many different sway bar bushing sizes for my application?

Much to the dismay of many buyers - almost all automotive manufacturer's used several different size sway bars in their vehicles. There is no rhyme or reason to this practice. It is random and different between cars of the same make, model, year etc. The ONLY way to ensure you're buying the correct size bushings for your car is to actually physically measure the sway bar. The is most commonly done one of two ways.

• 1 - Wrench method. This is quite simple - just take a set of wrenches and see which one fits over the bar correctly. For example - if a 18mm wrench fits perfectly over your sway bar - then you have an 18mm sway bar! Not all of us are lucky enough to be able to us this method as there are at times mid-sizes like 23.5mm etc. See below if you fall into this category.

• 2 - Crescent Wrench Method. Just a little more complex than the wrench method. Simply tighten down your adjustable crescent wrench down over your sway bar. When it's tight - slip the wrench off and measure between the ends of the prongs. The distance between these is the size of your sway bar.

Buying the correct size bushings is VITAL to ensuring optimum performance from your sway bar. Bushings that are too large will not properly grip and support the sway bar. Likewise bushings that are too small may simply not fit over the bar and make installation impossible.

If you cannot find the correct size sway bar bushings listed under your vehicle's specific category - take a look at the UniAversal Sway Bar Bushings Page.

Putting the Icing on the Cake

Energy Suspension offers a 7 year warranty for every part they make. But we know the quality of these parts deserves the peace of mind that a Lifetime Warranty provides. Exclusively for DST customers, we offer a FREE upgrade to a Lifetime Warranty handled directly thru us. No strings, no hassles, no receipts needed.

See all the details on this exclusive Energy Suspension Lifetime Warranty.