Did you install the new springs and shocks?

 

Shocks, yes, springs, no. Turns out that the passenger front shock was completely shot--as in NO dampening ability at all.
Being also a Ram owner I find it ridiculous the way they designed these Dakotas in such a manner that unless you remove the A-arm, it's so difficult to access the top shock mount. I'm beginning to dislike auto engineers almost as much as I do lawyers.
On the bright side, this truck drives 10x better than before and it hasn't even had a wheel alignment yet.

 

For a truck I think that’s about the norm I actually didn’t have a great respect for the front suspension till I started thinking on them and changed my opinion it’s a good design just could be better yes.

They are designed for best/easy production at the plant not for ease to consumer repairs same for the dash easy to build not so easy or cheap to work under the dash such as you’re A/C system but to compete with the other auto company’s they had to streamline production to keep costs low.

What can you do it was either that or stop making autos.

 

Yes, I can understand the need to keep costs down, but at the same time I have to wonder if certain "cost saving" techniques are also an attempt to boost maintenance revenue at the dealership service department. Take the shock mount, for instance. On my Ram it's no big deal because the nut is exposed quite well for such a simple maintenance job, as it should. On our Suburban, it's even more ridiculously easy to access due to the A-arm design which appears to also allow relatively easy bushing replacement. Of course we're talking about 3/4 ton trucks in both instances, but...

 

I will never buy anything from a dealer it cost way too much and some things do look to be a setup on needed repairs but you can get around most of these expensive repairs like ball joints.

If you think about it it’s rather simple to fix those problems just ignore their recommendations and learn how to do these repairs on this forum.

You are in the right place for info.

 

Yup, you got that right. The thing is, I can buy a lot of tools (ok, not Snap-on or Matco, maybe) and fix it myself and STILL have money left over rather than paying to have it done. Then I still have the tools for the next time there's a job to do.

 

There are only two repairs I will not/ can’t do they are trans rebuild and engine rebuild to many special tools and needed benches stands.

Well and knowledge needed.

Oh I forgot one and rear diff work