Does anyone manufacturer a coil-over rear shock for first generation Dakota (4 X 4)? Could not find any on brief internet search. Thank you.

 

To replace the leafs, or to assist the leafs?

RwP

 

can't replace the leafs except with another set of leafs, the way that suspension is set up.... no shock is gonna replace springs. but spring perches aren't meant to support weight/supplement the leafs. Yeah its done all the time, sure. but not supposed to be

why don't you add a leaf to your spring pack? I did just that, to my 96 4wd. Are any of the current leafs cracked/busted? My son has a 90 W250 (3/4 ton 4wd) He replaced his rear springs, had to buy 2 sets because he lost 1/2 of his 1st new set of replacement springs off the back of his truck (didn't tie them down) I split the other new one remaining and cut the ends of the main leaf to match the length of the 2nd leaf in that set and put that cut down main leaf in one side and the and longest leaf besides the main leaf in the other side. New Ubolts, center bolts and clamps to hold the loose ends together... came from the local spring shop.
Lots of guys build "bastard leaf spring packs" from Cherokee springs or other Dakota spring packs.
again what is your intent here?

 

I don't want to permanently change the leaf spring rate, just something to help out the sag during the rare times it is loaded (or overloaded).

 

Helper springs then.

They make them; coils that bolt to the axle and the frame lands on when there's a bit of a load.

Or short leafs you add.

Here's just one Add-A-Leaf style, from a quick Google search: https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index...oducts_id=1247

RwP

 

I've used the slip over booster springs with a variable ratio but the later add on springs that bolt to the axle are better in my opinion. You can pop them off the mounts and slip them back on when needed. Personally, my choice would be to add separately charged air bags. This is common on trucks that tow heavy campers and horse trailers. Keep a couple of pounds per bag to keep it inflated and add air when you need more capacity. Let it out when you're done. If you really want to get fancy, put air shocks on it with an on board pump controlled and monitored by an under dash switch and gauge. The problem with air shocks for heavy loads is if the weight goes on one side like a ditch, the pressure will all go to the low side.

 

That's only if they're cross connected or filled from the same line. A person should be able to fill individually although that might require two pumps in order to do it.

Steve