3rd Gen Dakota 2005 - 2011 Dodge Dakota Tech - The ultimate forum for technical help on the 3rd Gen Dakota.

Will Rancho Shocks Help?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 05-14-2009, 12:36 PM
Double Dave's Avatar
Double Dave
Double Dave is offline
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Will Rancho Shocks Help?

Hi all,

I’m new to the forum so I’ve been kind of trolling the board looking for some hints and tips.

I have a 2008 Crew Cab and so far I’m satisfied with everything except the suspension.

The problem is the truck tends to drift around during highway driving right around 65mph+. Driving around town between speeds of 30 to 50mph the truck tracks perfect and the alignment is perfect.

I’m wondering if upgrading the shocks will possibly eliminate the drift or should I be looking in the area of upgrading the stock tires?

Has anyone tried Rancho RS5000’s and if so did you see any handling improvement.

Thanks for the help.
 
  #2  
Old 05-14-2009, 12:50 PM
mprohr's Avatar
mprohr
mprohr is offline
All Star
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: St. Louis
Posts: 813
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Made a huge improvement in my truck, but I replaced them at 36,000 miles, and the OEMs were totally shot. That said, I do believe that you will notice a big difference with the Ranchos, even on an 08.
 
  #3  
Old 05-14-2009, 01:40 PM
coondog05's Avatar
coondog05
coondog05 is offline
Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: stafford springs CT
Posts: 419
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

they are a nite/day difference! PERIOD! a must in my opinion!
 
  #4  
Old 05-14-2009, 07:39 PM
Double Dave's Avatar
Double Dave
Double Dave is offline
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks for the feedback.

The wife has me on a budget so I'm trying decide between new shocks or a flashpaq tuner.
 
  #5  
Old 05-14-2009, 08:16 PM
07Dak's Avatar
07Dak
07Dak is offline
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I too am hoping the Rancho's help. These stock shocks suck. The dealer even told me ALL Dakotas drive like this. I have not priced new shock yet, but am hoping it is not too expensive.
 
  #6  
Old 05-14-2009, 09:04 PM
coondog05's Avatar
coondog05
coondog05 is offline
Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: stafford springs CT
Posts: 419
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

the tuner is alot of fun too! but if you go the tuner route you should at least upgrade with a CAI (and) exhaust to optomize the gains from it! the struts are a cheaper upgrade and will make it feel like a truck should! my exhaust is kinda extreme but a nice catback and a intake arent very costly either.... enjoy





oops! i just read your upgrades.... your ready for a tuner! and throw away that chip you have! put a 180 t-stat in while your at it!
 

Last edited by coondog05; 05-14-2009 at 09:08 PM. Reason: cause im dumb
  #7  
Old 05-15-2009, 10:18 AM
newmexicoram's Avatar
newmexicoram
newmexicoram is offline
Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Rio Rancho, NM
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Ranchos will be like night and day. A completely better ride. No bull.
 
  #8  
Old 05-15-2009, 11:55 AM
inspec25's Avatar
inspec25
inspec25 is offline
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I have noticed the drifting on my 07, too!!! I just bought mine (23K). I have also noticed alot of bouncing when hitting rough spots on the road (don't like that)!!!

Looks like I'm going to get a set of these Rancho's 5000's too!!! Thanks.

BTW- I had a 97 dakota and I don't remember the truck riding as bad as this one. Is it just me?
 
  #9  
Old 05-15-2009, 05:21 PM
Double Dave's Avatar
Double Dave
Double Dave is offline
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Shocks have been ordered and they should be installed mid next week.

I'll let you all know how it turns out.

fyi my truck has 7800 miles on it so if anybody wants to purchase some slightly used stock 2008 Dakota shocks.............
 

Last edited by Double Dave; 05-15-2009 at 06:28 PM.
  #10  
Old 05-15-2009, 09:24 PM
coondog05's Avatar
coondog05
coondog05 is offline
Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: stafford springs CT
Posts: 419
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

good call dave! you will be more than pleasently suprised! next the tuner!
 


Quick Reply: Will Rancho Shocks Help?



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:16 PM.