2000 Dakota Quad Cab 4.7 2WD Auto 144K miles

Need 4th set of front shocks ! WTF ?

OEM shock changed about 60K miles
OEM replacement, don't remember the brand, changed about 115-120K right from oil leak.
Rancho gas adjust are on, both gone, front right is worse.

After the second set OEM went bad I went to Dodge Dealer to find out what they had for my truck. He brought out 3 (three) shocks (?). Obvious one was for 4WD. The other two were a little different (length), he couldn't say why but they were 90 bucks each. I left.

Researched and picked Rancho 'cause the stroke length was a little longer than some others. I reasoned the oem replacements started leaking because of piston or seal failure due to shock bottoming or topping out.

I guess I need advice on a couple of things.

1. How do I measure the truck for the correct shock length? On the ground with shock removed, in the air with front end extended and shock removed, in the air front end extended and shock still installed?

2.With different lenths for extended, compressed and stroke on different shocks (only slightly different) I went with longer stroke length initially thinking they wouldn't top out or bottom out.

Do I have this backwards? Buying shocks didn't used to be this hard. Maybe it's a Dodge thing. Just kidding, tho' this is my first Dodge.
Appreciate the help

Example of what I'm looking at below

 

Manufacturers should have recommendations for your specific application.... You don't want the shocks to be what limits suspension travel, and you don't want them to be acting as bump stops either.... So, measuring from eye to eye with suspension fully compressed, and then, fully extended, will give you an idea of what specs you are looking for. Of course, trying to get that fully compressed measurement is gonna be fun.....

Looking at your specs there though, I am rather curious why the shorter shock has a longer stroke length..... that seems kinda counter-intuitive to me.

 

Thanks and I agree that MFGs give correct recommendations. The disparity in stroke length might be due to one being a gas shock.

 

to me measure your bolt to bolt (on the front lower bolt to frame hole) distance on an at rest suspension, and you want the measurement to be roughly in the center of your stoke specs. In the example provided I don't see 1/2" making a hill of beans difference as far as failure is concerned

edit: could always jack the vehicle off the frame and see what your hanging suspension measurement is, if that's getting close to the max stroke length it would be reason for concern

 

The fronts are difficult on these because they are stud mount. Spring sag also changes things.
I run Viking B304AK's on my truck, they are 13.48 extended and 8.83 compressed (4.65 stroke). I run an 18" free length coil spring with a 1" spacer on top, for perspective.

 

Thanks Magnethead, yours are definitely upgrade shocks at 300+ bucks . The KYBs I show around 90. My big concern again is the average of 40k miles per set on highways and county blacktop. I find that sub par..
I removed the Ranchos and there is no shock action at all on the front right shock. feels like no gas no fluid. So I hope the KYBs are way better than Rancho.

 

Rancho does not make the best quality shocks. My brother had them on his S-15, and if they lasted 20K miles, I would be surprised.

 

Don't tell me this, just put a new set of RS9000's on my 14

 

The bearer of bad news should keep one foot in the stirrup. (I get paid extra for that. )

 

I'm pretty sure sure these Rachos didn't last 25K miles. Got the KYBs installed today by yours truly. Remarkable difference but to be expected for new shocks. mileage will tell the tale.
Thanks for the feedback Dakota owners.