That recent 3,000 mile road trip I took this month on the 299,000 mile (and counting) '96 Dakota Sport 3.9L five-speed almost made me seasick. Each significant dip in the highway became an up and down, up and down, up and down bounce. Can't put off replacing the shock absorbers any longer. Just want some stock replacement (budget) quality stuff. But my question is whether or not I will have any problems doing the R & R at home? Thank you.

Local 1/8 mile drag strip (Baja California Sur)

 

Well, sounds like they have been on there for a while.... So, likely the nuts/bolts etc are going to have become rusted to whatever metal happens to be about. So, be prepared for that.

Some Monroe Gas-Matics would likely do ya good.

 

Well, we have a problem. The "upgraded" style front shocks I ordered from Rock Auto have a smaller hole for the lower bolt and I am now stuck, perplexed, and a little angry. The shocks I removed are Monroe 37068ST with a hole diameter of 13.2 mm (.519"). The shocks i purchased are Monroe 34790 with a hole diameter of 12.0 mm (.472"). The factory bolt has a diameter (across the threads) of 12.5 mm (.492" or let's say 1/2"). If I try to push, slam, are twist the bolt in the smaller hole I will destroy the integrity of the threads. According to the box (made in USA)--Whoop-De-Doo!

 

The threads on the bolt are a LOT harder than the steel of the bushing there, that, and the bushing is likely split, with a non-welded seam. It only needs to expand a bit over 1mm...... I would think you could tap the bolt thru the mount, and then the shock, without doing undue damage to the threads. (and as an added benefit, they would be less likely to rattle over bumps too. )

 

Looking at Rock Autos site, I see what you are saying. They show both fitting a 96 4wd dakota, but in the discription they show for the lower mount the following

34790 (Loop Bushing & Sleeve Mount - 12MM Sleeve ID X 1.1/2" Sleeve OAL)
37068 (Loop Bushing & Sleeve Mount - 1/2" Sleeve ID X 1.3/8" Sleeve OAL)

If you can wait, I would return and get the others