vehicle- 97 Dakota ext cab 4x4


I'm trying to find out which shock absorbers perform best on the Dakota. I searched other threads and the internet which didn't help me decide on a pair of shocks. However, I did narrow down the most talk about shocks for the Dakota and would like to know what shocks people on this forum like for their Dakota.

Currently I have Monroe Sensa trac shocks which are too stiff for the amount of riding I do. I'm looking for shocks that are good on road, off-road, and handle well on pot hole infested roads. Also shocks that can handle loads pretty well would be nice.

Vote and share your experience with good shocks.

1. KYB Monomax
2. Bilstein shocks
3. Rancho RS9000
4. Edelbrock IAS

 

I can't really say what are the best, because I've only had stock and then Monomax for just about 5 years. I'll tell you this though...they are a stiff set, which is what I like for the truck. Cornering is really nice...the fact that I can swing my truck around curvy turns at 40-50mph, is pretty entertaining, lol.

 

I replaced my fronts with KYB (forgot what model). They're nice shocks. I'm impressed with how well the truck still rides due to the stiffened front end from my lift coils, and I think this is due to these new (I put em on a few months back) shocks.

EDIT: Just read the part about pothole roads. The KYB's have handles potholes pretty well IMO. A few gravel roads around here are totally trashed with potholes and I really have not problem going like 30. Keep in mind it's not gonna be like you're riding down the road in a cadillac, but these are definitely an improvement over my old ones.

 

That's one thing I like about my current shocks they handle turns well.

Like you I have to go down gravel roads everyday which slam the heck out of my truck.

 

Yeah I need a good shock for off road/on road use that wont break the bank but also will hlep stiffin the ride around corners and such, help not lean so much.. I dont mind if the ride gets stiff just so long as it holds traction well.