just making a point that there are many variables to making parts work, let alone driving skills. Bilstein shocks will not make a Ferrari out of anything.

 

I haven't replied because I only received a notice from the first two members. Now that several of you have, I'll read them and get back to you.


I was disappointed with the first replies because I can do all the research I can, but I'm wanting Dakota,..... owners experience's and advise, not other makes guys.


I can't compare mine to a Ford, Chevy etc. as it makes no sense.


I'm thinking about stepping up my stock 215/75/15's to a wider tread, but stay with the 15" wheel.


Am I such an old goat (53 yrs young) that I still like white letter tires ? lol.....


Anyway, I'll get to reading and get back soon.

 

I would say you just didn't understand or want to understand what we were trying to tell you.

 

You can stay with the 15" wheel on pretty much any brand of tire. 235 series tires will give you a lot wider contact patch which will result in better ride quality, improved traction and a lot better handling and braking characteristics. 215's are way too skinny for a Dakota.

Jimmy

 

98 DAKAZ- I was not referring to you, only the first two. Regarding the shocks, I agree that they are a personal feel for the driver and type of usage.


Jimmy, I agree the 215's are too small. I believe I'm stepping up to the 235.

 

I remember when I first bought my truck from CarMax, it only had 42,000 miles on it and they had put a set of Michelin Harmony's on it, which was actually a car tire, not an LT rated tire, and they were 215's. One of the first things I did with my truck was to put on a set of Michelin LTX 235/75R15's. It was a night and day difference in ride quality and handling. Less road noise too.

Jimmy

 

The reason mine are are the originals is that the first owner (I'm second) is her ordered it brand new with all the bells & whistle's, except he standard radio, no CD player. lol So, that was the first thing I did, was replace it with a kick-*** player/stereo, two amps, 6 speakers and two 10: subs. Now I can rock out to the 80's music (hair bands),.....VAN HALEN ! (my guitar GOD) lol....IT SOUNDS AWESOME !!!


Anyway, I bought my truck 6 years ago with only 53,000 miles. The tread is ok, but it sits outside a lot, which is very hard on tires, and now all four have dry & compression cracks, so it's not safe to drive.


I'll get a list of the 4 brands I'm looking into and see what you guys think. Haven't looked at shocks yet.

 

I live in Nebraska too my personal preference would be Cooper tires. And Bilstein shocks.
Monroe shocks are junk they leak in the first year you have them. Monroe shocks use to be good but some company bought them out and now they are junk made with cheaper inside components.

 

i must have gotten lucky with my first set of Reflex on my first gen. Dakota , sold it with fine shocks after 5-6 years.
Must have got lucky twice since the Reflex shocks i have now are 4 years old with no problem or complaints.

 

2 months ago i put 2 bilsteins up front and 2 monroe load levelers in the rear of my 02 dak quad cab. I was worried the ride would be too rough, but surprisingly they ride great. The truck rides over bumps smooth and easy. BTW i also changed all the front end bushings too. As to the tires, i intend to install new tires before the snow starts up here in the NE. Im leaning towards Goodyear Trailmarks which are apparently sold only at Walmarts. Approximately 120 ea. Most reviews i read were positive.