I'm new to the forum, so please go easy on me for asking simple questions. Just trying to get into the DIY stuff on my dakota. I am looking for new struts, was hoping to find some input on the ones others think are the best or prefer! I dont do a ton of offroading, just looking for longevity and a smooth ride, but still have the capability to go off road if I wanted! I don't know if it has any bearing on anything, but it is a 4×4 and has a 1.5" spacer leveling kit. Thanks for any advice!

 

You will not be disappointed with going with either the Monroe or Rancho struts. Both are great upgrades over the stock ones. Since you are primarily looking for longevity and a smooth ride, i would say you would be looking for the Monroe struts as your first choice. the Ranchos tend to be a little more off-road centric compared to the Monroe struts, not by much, but that's what many are saying.

I'm personally looking to do the Rancho struts but i'm thinking of putting the Monroe Load Leveling shocks out back for a stiffer feel and less rear end droop. The Monroe Load Leveling shocks will actually raise the rear a little at the same time, which will keep some of the rake that i'll loose with a 2" spacer up front. I kinda like the rake, I carry a few things often enough and i don't want the front to be higher then the back.

 

^ That.

And the I'm running Rancho's up front w/o sway bar and Monroe Sensa-Tracs in the rear. The load adjusting shocks gave 3/4" lift for me but it might be more if you have a different model. Awesome setup IMO.

 

I bought a set of Monroe SensaTracs last year (from a forum member actually) and I have no complaints about them. I got the struts for the front and the load levelers for the rear. Although I would probably do non load levelers next time, as they seemed to stiffen the ride, and I never haul anything. Except a$$ :P

 

You guys rock! I'm loving this forum, I can already tell it's going to be a great asset the farther in depth I get on my baby. I really appreciate the feedback. The more that I've been looking into it, it seems like a lot of other dakota guys are running the Ranchos. I think I'm going to end up trying the RS5000's on all 4. Do you know how hard it is to DIY? Also, would I have to replace the coil springs in the front? Or is that not quite as relevant as the struts?
Thanks again!!

 

Rear shocks are a 4 bolt, 30 minute job. Some have removed the spare tire to get better access, but not required. Fronts require a spring compressor and unless you have done it before, I recommend having a shop do it as the lower strut bolt is sometimes almost impossible to remove. Welcome to the forum. Do some searching for threads on front struts. There are tons of existing threads with plenty of info.

 

I have Rancho in front and back on my Dak with 2" leveling kit. I will say it is a little stiffer ride then what I thought it was gonna be, but I am on gravel or fields quite a bit with it. I would suggest if you are gonna be on pavement a lot, I would go with something different than a Rancho for a smoother ride.

 

So you're fairly new to Dakotas? If you plan on installing a leveling kit in the front then go ahead and do it when you have the struts replaced. You have to take the same parts so it will save a ton of time, money, and frustration.

 

Thanks again! I'll look around at some options when I get a day off. I am fairly new to dakotas and the whole DIY stuff in general, so I'm looking for any help I can get. I've got a 1.5" level kit, k&n cai, 3" catback, hypertech tuner and 265/75r16 cooper discover at/p's with some alright rims.. Now I'm just looking to upgrade things to get longevity and a smooth ride out of her now that she looks flashy. I'll take a look at the monroe and sensa tracs! I'm kind of looking for a smooth ride over, per say, rail road tracks and washboard roads when Im on them, if that's anymore specific to what I should be looking at.
It's really appreciated!!

 

For a smooth ride, you can't go wrong with the Monroe struts.