I have a 2000 Dakota SLT, 4x4, 4.7 liter engine with auto trans.
It has the front steel bumper and top rack, so there's additional weight.
The truck appears to sit a little higher than stock and the front sits lower than the rear end. When I hit a severe hole or bump, the front end hits hard. I'm installing a set of Bilstein shocks on the front and hope that will cushion the blows. I don't know if suspension modifications are needed. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

Well mainly do to the extra weight hanging off the front end. You can crank the torsion bars some to even it back out.

 

Are the rubber inserts still in your bump stops? Sometimes they can deteriorate and/or fall out. If they're gone, you'll get a loud clank when it bottoms out.

 

Thanks for your advice. Can you describe the "crank the torsion bars " process in more detail. I will need to explain it to my Spanish speaking mechanic.

 

I replaced the rubber inserts in the bump stops. That's why I'm wondering why the front end still hits hard upon impacting rough road conditions. Down here in Costa Rica the roads are rough, so I need to add something extra to cushion the blows. As you can see in the attached foto, the existing shocks look small. Perhaps installing new Bilstein shocks will make a difference? I ordered two new, part #24-185233, series: 4600 series for the front end and I should receive them next week.
I replaced the steering rack and tie rods to solve that problem, so hopefully, this is the last of the front end issues.

 

You're "hitting hard" because of all that weight on the front end.

Unlike coil springs the torsion bars are adjustable. By "cranking" them, you can raise the height of the front end. There is an adjustment bolt on them, make sure to unload the suspension before you try to adjust them.

 

those shocks look small but it could just be the picture

 

a simple tube bumper like yours shouldn't add that much weight....I dont think?

 

There are numerous threads on this website to explain the tbar crank process. Use the search function and there will be a ton of info

 

I've got to say when I first read the title of your post I thought the same thing I think when people say their brakes suck. Yeah? Its a dakota... lol but I agree with checking the torsion bars they might be cranked up too much or something. My front end doesn't seem to hit horibly hard but I may just be used to it now after 8 years. My truck is set to be level.