Sorry i've been gone, But I have a 2006 Raider/Dakota 4x4 4.7 auto. And in my gut, somethings telling me that your 07/08 already has the upgraded struts. They are black in color and look just like the Monroe's...........Hmmmm......... and be careful, Only the monroe's are approved OEM Replacements.

 

Hi Double Dave - I was wondering if you got the Rancho's on??? (Would also like the part number, where you ordered and cost if you can.)

I DO NOT believe the Monroe and Rancho's are EXACTLY the same. They may be maufactured by the same parent company but when I ran into the same thing on a 2004 Dodge Ram, the Monroe (which I purchased) didn't come close to the RS5000's (which I also purchased). Totally different valving. Just like the Monroe and Rancho's for the Dakota, the Monroe were cheaper (I guess you get what you pay for) and if they are the same as what's on the stock 2008 then I won't be getting the Monroes - I consider them sub-standard to the Rancho's - I just want to make sure the Rancho's RS5757 will fit the 2008 before I order.

 

That's a fair Opinion about companies that state their product is superior than the next, sorta like generic VS brand name. But here's food for thought. Examine how the 2 describe their product, both action and function, Then think about this, Tenneco is the ONLY Company that make's A Strut for the Dodge Dakota. And last but not least, The wholesale price of a Rancho shock is $60 and the wholesale price of Monroe is $68. Retail Rancho $100-130 And Monroe $90-130, So do the math, You can spend more for the name and most of the time it's worth it, But not in this case. Oh and the Monroe gas Magnum is the Exact same as the Rancho XL 9000. And the part # for Rancho is RS 5757 for the frt and 5315 for thr rr. And before I forget, Monroe give's you A life time Warranty on all their product, Rancho does not.

 

I installed Ranchos on my '06 with only a few thousand miles on the odometer and the improvement over the stock shocks was huge.

 

The Monroe has a "soft spot" in the middle of the stroke for a smoother ride, I don't think the Rancho has that, but it would be nice to know for sure.

The Monroe lifetime warranty is nice, but I have never been a big fan of the sensatrac (to mushy).

I had both on my old 1980 K10 chevy (standard shocks) and they were definately different valving.

Dryice, can you get this stuff wholesale???

LB

 

Was wondering Double Dave IF you received the Rancho's and had them installed? What's the part number for the 2008 Dak's, how much, and where did you order them from? How much to install?

 

For road maybe the monroe have a more compliant ride. I don't want harsh I just want some darn rebound dampening that seems to be lacking.

 

Get Ranchos. I have not seen a post on any site where someone installed Ranchos and didn't think they were a GREAT improvement. This would seem like enough reason to get them. I'm sure the Monroes are very similar, but why mess with what has worked for everyone else?

 

People are saying that the problems they were having were "floaty" rides? My problem is how hard the dak reacts to bumps in the road. Sounds like its almost doing damage.

Do the Ranchos make the ride more ridged or softer?

 

The problem with the stock shocks is that have very firm compression with no rebound control. So it seems like it hits hard....and then it bounces. Get new shocks. I have 20,000 miles on my Ranchos. I've been very happy with them.