2005 Dodge Dakota Laramie Quad 4x4 V8 19,000 miles

Like most, I'm fed up with the front end/suspension.It makes so much noise - klunks, pops, rattles, etc. - and the ride is very harsh. I feel the pain on every bump. I did recently have the driver's side swaybar link replaced but that didn't help much. I guess I'll take it in again but what are they really gonna do? Why is ourfront suspension so bad? Isn't it made up of the same components as most other trucks? Do I hold out until aftermarket suspension components are made (if ever)? Will adding aftermarket shocks really make much of a difference? Or do I just buy a seat cushion and turn up the radio real loud?

I really like my truckotherwise.I'm more concerned about future costs, the abuse my new 20' (expensive)tires may be taking if the suspension is bad, etc.

What are your thoughts?

 

my thoughts.....

Dodge tryed a new suspension design and it is FAILING! It is the WORST! Ive been in lowered civics that have a better ride quality. As for after market help, dont hold your breath for it... because they dont care about the Dakotas. The dakota is less then 10% of there cash flow vs the Ranger, tacoma.

I have just learned to deal with the **** we were given. Dodge does not care that they put their name on a peice of **** design that is pure ****! They have tryed to make the dakota a laxury truck with a bull**** *** suspension. I have given up trying to presue the aftermarket shocks and am looking into making my own shock hoops and using some Fox shocks or something. Basically im exploring options on redoing the front end myself. But that will cost $$$$. and at that point i might as well do a SAS.

 

I'm still looking into Ram struts just can't find any...RCXRaider confirmed with me that RC uses the same leveling kit for 4x4 Ram and 2wd Dakota. Just need to look into bottom strut mount, ride height, and strut travel.

 

Oh, btw, I'm working on an idea to be able to use RC's kit and maybe the TM at the same time.

 

Yea its sad that dodge has a good platform with the dakota but they are unwilling to make it great. I want to get the leveling kit and the 1 inch blocks in the rear but I want to get new struts before I do it so I can do it all at once. Now I think I'm just going to pay off this truck as fast as I can and get something else. I do love this truck but it sits too low for a 4x4 and the aftermarket won't support it. If its affordable I may get a silverado hybrid or a nissan frontier. At least with those choices I can get aftermarket stuff. I thought about sending an email to dodge but what good will it do. Maybe if all of us get together and send one letter showing that there are people who love this truck and tell them how to make it better maybe they will do something but then again I doubt it. My opinion is the dakota after 2008 is dead. Most dealers around here don't have many on the lot. When I bought my 05 the dealer had at least 30 on the lot. Now they only have 6 08 models. I also thought about learning to weld and build my own front suspension but it would be too expensive and time consuming for me.

 

Do you have the TM kit on? I thought it stiffens the front up some...

 

I agree 1000 percent that Chrysler's attempt to redesign Dakota's suspension is a failure. Even with the 2nd gen Dakotas, there were problems. Ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar bushings are failing left and right.

The shock problem became apparent in a heartbeat, yet no one, Chrysler included have done anything to fix it!

I do not use my truck as a luxury truck, nor do I want one. I do expect it to not fall apart in the first 20,000 miles, either.

My $0.02 worth,, again.

 

I have the TM kit on but my shcoks have been LONG blown so... i dont even know what differance anymore....

 

So I've called local 4x4 shops and the Dodge dealership to see if I could get my hands on a leftover strut. All of them throw it away or give them back to the owner. I'm almost positive it'll fit.

 

I've done it many many times on older vehicles, not that big of a deal but I'm not willing to do it to my brand new truck! I actually like my truck, ride and all.

I'll eventually pop on the TM kit most likely.