I just got back from the dealer. They said everything looks fine, although they are going to do a wheel alignment on Monday. I don't think it's going to help, though! I have a 100k Bumper to Bumper warranty good till 2017.

They gave me the old "This is how the truck rides. If nothing is broken then there is nothing to fix."

It looks like I may have to cut my losses and move on. I'm going to look at the Rams.

Here are some reviews I found online, like some of you stated on how the they made the Ram suspension better:

"Test drivers say the 2012 Ram 1500 drives like a car, which is unheard-of for a full-size pickup truck. Though it’s by no means nimble, it’s one of the smoothest-driving trucks around, thanks to its advanced suspension.

Its rear coil-spring suspension eliminates the harsh ride previously endemic to full-size trucks. The result is a much smoother, more sophisticated ride that sets the Ram apart from all other traditional pickups.

Reviewers agree that the Ram 1500’s handling and ride make it the best-driving pickup in the class. Because the 1500 has a different suspension than those found on all other full-size trucks, it’s smoother and more responsive. The suspension also helps to keep the ride smooth and less bouncy when the bed is empty."


Jay

 

Sounds like maybe a tire has gone out of balance or a belt has moved in one. If the suspension is all tight, either of these will cause the shimmy and shake.

I had to swap out my two rear tires for some newsed ones this summer. There was a clear tread-wear area where the belt was gone.

I would have them balance the tires when they do the alignment.

 

You got that right. If you're looking for a smooth riding truck, the Ram 1500 is it! If I had the money, I'd have one.

 

The topper is a good idea but a cheaper solution is to put a couple concrete pavers in the back. I ride yearround with 2-24x36x2 pavers in the back helps with ride and traction probably about 275-300lb. Also have tool box with asorted junk I just took out to help a friend move I think i can tell alittle differance but it could also be the lift kit and tires that I just put on.

 

You aren't imagining things. I've also had a 1992 reg cab, a 2000 club cab, a 2003 reg cab, a 2005 quad and now a 2011 quad. The 1st and 2nd gen trucks rode and handled beautifully. I LOVED them. Things really went downhill with the 2005 redesign. I felt like I was driving a waterbed. That truck would float forever after hitting even the slightest dip in the road.

This 2011 seems even worse. It rides like total ***. It is damn near all over the road. I swear it will nearly hop into the next lane on some bridge expansion joints. The back end seems to kick out on bumps even going on straight interstate. Very unsettling sometimes. I have a dealer appointment to check it out along with the infamous brake shimmy.

 

Rodslinger, I hear you loud and clear!! Last weekend I put 400lbs of sand bags in the bed and there was no difference. I bought a 2012 Ram SLT 1500 with 15k on Wednesday for just about the same price of the Dakota. Now I need to start a new thread in the Ram section stating "I just bought a 2012 Ram and my wife and daughter LOVE IT!!!"

zcg4755: Keep searching. Good deals are out there.


Jay

 

If you wanted a car ride, maybe you should not have bought a truck. As for the 4th Gen Ram (coil rears) vs. 3rd Gen Ram (leaf rears) I've driven both extensively. No comparison in unladen ride quality - 4th Gen drives like a Caddy - but there is a trade-off. It handles like sh*t when towing decent weight and squats like a compact car would with 7000 lbs. of trailer weight hooked to it.

Jason is right - half ton trucks are made for ride quality and to be daily commuters anymore...

 

You may be making incorrect assumptions about why we bought these trucks. When I want something that rides like a car I actually drive my car. My expectations out of this truck are not unreasonable. It drives like crap for what it is. I'm not comparing it to car ride quality. I'm comparing it to other trucks of similar size.

I drive my truck maybe once a week. But when I do I'll put two or three hundred miles on it. It IS a work truck. I did not want back then and do not want now a full size truck. But I DO haul a lot, tow a lot and prefer the smallest thing I can find with a V8. My choices are limited.

I'm happy with the quality, happy with the features, happy with the cornering ability, acceleration, etc... These Dakotas have always been reliable for me. General low cost of overnship. It just rides like crap on rough pavement. It isn't harsh or stiff suspension I'm complaining about. I'm talking about this thing jumping around like a raging bull that just got kicked in the nuts. I'm not kidding when I say the thing will almost change lanes on a bridge expansion joint. The back end will effing jump!!!!

I'm gonna order me some Rancho's and see what happens. Can't be any worse.

 

My bad, if it's that bad then yeah, I'd say there is an issue.

Does it smooth out when you are hauling a good bit of weight?

 

Maybe they screwed up at the factory and put ram springs on it or something like that. I don't know of anyone else having this kind of issue as bad as yours is.