I am looking to buy new front struts for my 05 dodge dakota 2wd. I see that there are some for 4wd and some for 2wd. I was wondering what the difference is. Stiffness? Length? Bolt pattern looks the same.

 

As far as i know there is no difference in struts between 2WD and 4WD for the third Gen dak.

 

They are the same.

 

All the same. Monroe, Rancho and KYB are your choices. KYB is more like OEM (too soft), Monroe are a bit firmer and Rancho will give the firmest ride. Be prepared for a fight with the lower strut bolt.

 

Search on this forum before you start as the lower strut bolt is not common and turns out NAPA had them but were for the ram but fit. You might save a headache and buy and bring it to the shop that does it. I did it and would pay someone to do it next time!

 

I always see that comment but I had zero issues with mine. Is this an issue related to people further north or just higher mileage?

I have a 2011. Changed my struts with 40k miles after three years. The bolts slid out like nothing. But I do live in the south.....

 

Didn't have issues with mine either. I think it IS dependent on mileage and where you live. But I know plenty of folks on here have had a fight on their hands with them.

 

My truck has 100k and I had no issues getting the bolt out when I put on my lift. I'm also coming from a 1994 Wrangler so I'm used to spending 5 hours, a can of pb buster, and breaking 2 bolt removal tools to get one bolt out.

 

I needed to dynamite the lower bolt out, as well as destroy the lower bushings to replace the struts.