I'm looking for new shocks for my 2005 Dodge Dakota. Anyone know a brand to avoid or even a brand I should really look into?

 

Two choices, either Rancho 5000 series, or Monroe. Avoid OEM at all costs!
Rancho is a bit stiffer than Monroe. I have the Ranchos all around and absolutely love 'em.

I'd say "Welcome to DF", but you've been lurking for a while.

 

I'm sure you will get a couple of different responses. In my case I recently swapped my stockers for Ranchos and the difference is very noticeable.

I no longer have the loud "clunk" sound when going over a pot-hole, its quite the opposite now.

Either way, any after market shocks you get you more than likely outperform your stock ones by a long shot.

 

ive got the monroe sensatrac struts and the load adjusting sensatracs shocks w/ the load springs on them.

better than stock , more firm etc. & a little cheaper than the ranchos, which ive had on other trucks and are an excellent choice too.

if you haul / tow much the load adjust sensatracs are a nice feature.

 

I like my rear sensatracs but mine are noisy..any else have that issue? they perform great but make lots of noise when compressed over bumps/potholes..simple, straightforward installation unless I overtightened them?

 

I went to a local place today to ask about the load adjusting sensatracs shock, They said $180 EACH, and they couldnt even get the strut assembly lol Ill buy them online...for cheapper

 

http://www.amazon.com/Monroe-58650-S...7447257&sr=8-1

 

Those come to $150ish for me, since shipping lol.
I found a place on Ebay (they are a seller on amazon for those shocks) if they will combine shipping on stuff

 

I thought we had struts. What do you do with shocks?

 

Struts in front, shocks in rear.