Hey y'all,

I am ready to change out my shocks (including the shock that makes up the strut assembly). It seems that all Monroe users love the feel of their new ride and same goes with the Rancho buyers. It sounds like (maybe) the difference is that the Ranchos might be a little stiffer, but in a good way. My vehicle is the 2005 SLT 4x4 4.7l, club cab. It runs great with only 50k miles, but only if you like the feel of the ocean, hence the need for new shocks. I do have a tow package but don't pull much and don't carry much weight in the back on a daily basis. (wife rides in the front...ha ha). So I don't plan on getting the spring aided sensitracks which would stiffen the unloaded ride of the vehicle (even though they look like a cool design). Anyone have any negatives for either the Monroes or Ranchos? Oh yea, I did see where someone (sorry didn't save the thread) put the Ranchos in the front and used Monroe's in the rear....interesting...Thx

 

I put the Ranchos in the front and the Monroe sensatracs in the rear. I would have liked the Rancho's to be a bit stiffer. Don't get me wrong, they are far far better than the stock ones. That being said, if the ranchos are stiffer than the monroe, I have to recommend the ranchos. However, they're made by the same company so I seriously doubt they're any different.

Also, if you're thinking about putting on a leveling kit, do it while you have the struts out.

 

I got Monroe all the way around and have been happy thus far. If the timing calls for it, I would recommend taking a good look at your upper and lower control arms/ball joints, since you gotta take'em apart anyway, might be an opportunity to swap em' out at the same time.

 

Yea, good idea to check..... From a visual inspection, the ball joints look great, so I will be keeping those unless y'all have been change them out as a precautionary move. I am still searching for an 1.5 inch leveling kit too.

Looking at the springs on my struts, has anyone noticed that the gap between each spring coil is only about a 1/4 of an inch. It looks like the spring is compressed somewhat . Is that the norm? BTW! I didn't know that Monroe and Rancho were the same 'products' ...thanks

 

Ranchos on my truck, and I couldn't be happier. The 1.5" leveling kit is by Trailmaster, part # DL223, which I have installed along with the Ranchos.

Trailmaster DL223

The picture on Summits website is not correct though (As well as other websites), you'll get 2 aluminum spacers, like in this picture.

It looks like Trailmaster is not making any more of the spacers, due to the Dakota being a discontinued model.

 

Ive got Monroes up front, and the Load Adjusting ones in the rear. The Rear ones didnt squeak when they went in, But do now. Does get annoying sometimes.
Also had a 1.5" Kit installed when I replaced the struts. Looks alot better now.

 

I like my ranchos. I've been told that the Sensatracs have very similar valving to a factory unit.

 

Monroe's on mine. Do a search for shocks. The subject has been beat to death. Lots of threads on the differences between the Monroe's and Ranchos.

 

I had 3in leveling kit and 1in coil spacers, with in a year, my ball joints were shot! very stupid of me. I put Ranchos all around, love the ride. Took the 1in spacers out, and I also did new control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends and brakes/rotors. Got rid of the shakes when I brake, and a much smoother ride. I would suggest looking at your ball joints like mentioned above, might as well get it all done at the same time. Hardest part was finding tools for the lower ball joint, to press it, but forums led me to Advanced Auto where I rented them! easy day!! Good luck and you wont be disappointed w/ Rancho's or Monroe's from what I hear.


dod_zps401e9284.jpg

3" Leveling kit- Rancho's All around- 265/75R16 BFG Rugged Terrains- Custom Short Ram Intake- Straight piped exhaust w/ custom 3" stacks- Black housing headlights 6k HID- Custom HarleyDavidson Shifter **Custom Built Bumper**

 

What the

I have a 2011 Dakota it's just branded Ram not Dodge. Companies need to step it up for us out there err, here.

My understanding is I have to go Monroe because of suspension changes in the front.

Is Ram / Dodge actually killing off the Dakota? Chevy says they're gonna' put a diesel in the Colorado / Canyon in a year or so. We still need small / mid-size trucks!