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Pickups Dodge Dakota Dodge Dakota Suspension and Axles
113 messages, Last post on Oct 22, 2009 at 4:47 PM
You are in the Dodge Dakota Forum. Your Host is kcram
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I just came back from a test drive after replacing the front struts on my quad-cab 4x4. What a difference! The old struts only had 24,000 miles on them, but it's obvious now that they were shot. The new struts have eliminated the floaty feeling I've hated since I bought the truck a few weeks ago. I used Monroe 'Sensatrac' struts, which were pricey, but worth it. If you've got access to a spring compressor; the job isn't too difficult, either. Steve
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Replying to: ESBY (Jan 25, 2009 10:01 am) BTW: The very best shock absorbers for the Dakota are still the Edelbrock IAS (Inertia Active System). They are true MONOTUBE shock absorbers which are far superiour to the dual-tube desgn that the el-cheepos use. I put Edelbrock IAS on my Dak within the 1st year of purchasing brand-new and have never regretted it. Not only does it RIDE better and not jump sideways over expansion-jounts... when I hit the brakes, my truck does not do a nose-dive. (Becasue IAS knows it is not a bump in the road and stiffens up the front shocks under braking)
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Replying to: bpeebles (Jan 25, 2009 11:50 am) I've only found two manufacturers of struts for these Dakotas: Monroe and Rancho. The Rancos are said to 'stiffin' the ride considerably. I'm not an off-roader, so the Monroes were my preference. I just hope they last longer than the originals did. (24,000 miles). Steve
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Replying to: ESBY (Jan 25, 2009 1:28 pm) It is my experience that when there are not many aftermarket parts available... there may be a design flaw which the aftermarket folks do not want any part of. For example, on my 2000 Dak, the balljoints were known to snap off. The very best balljoint manufacturer (Moog) did not list any replacement balljoints for many years... why? because the design put too much stress on the balljoints and they knew if they sold a replacemet, it would also snap. Another example: My ol 1981 AMC Eagle would eat front shock-absorbers no matter what I installed... I ended up paying Midas to install "lifetime warantee" shocks....Midas ended up replacing those shocks at least 3 times for free. (I got my moneys-worth out of that) Good luck with your new shocks... I hope they last the life of your Dak.
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Replying to: bpeebles (Jan 25, 2009 6:01 pm) If they wear out prematurely; I may look for a shop with 'lifetime' shocks, too. On the plus side; the '06 Dakota rides almost as smooth as a car. Steve
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Replying to: ESBY (Jan 26, 2009 6:32 am) I think the conclusion that they are not going to be durable is premature. Anyway, I have never had to replace a strut on any of my cars (Plymouth, Dodge, Chrysler, Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai) and my girlfriends Concode LXI is still sporting the originals at 165,000. Only time will tell. Regards, Dusty
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Replying to: dustyk (Jan 27, 2009 6:57 pm) Based on several posts I've read regarding the life expectancy of the original shock on the front ends of these trucks; it appears the factory strut is not durable. I'm hoping the Monroe cartridge I've installed will last longer than 24,000 miles, as did the originals. Steve
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Replying to: ESBY (Feb 04, 2009 2:10 pm) Dusty |
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Replying to: dustyk (Mar 20, 2007 5:18 pm)
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Replying to: mrt5 (Feb 04, 2009 6:08 pm) 130.9 inch wheel base (All except RT) 2wd Caster = 3.13 degrees Camber = -0.00 Toe = 0.10 degrees 130.9 inch wheel base (All except RT) 4wd Caster = 3.16 degrees Camber = -0.00 Toe = 0.10 degrees Regards, Dusty |
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