I have a 2007 quad cab, 2wd, 4.7 SLT. It only has 65,000 miles on it, but the ride is very jittery, feels uncontrolled. By comparison, my old 2007 quad cab, with 271,000 miles, and the original shocks, still rode solid (it had all the factory heavy duty tow package). I think the suspension is a different design between the 2 trucks, and frankly I liked the old style better. What options do I have for good shocks. Not going offroading, except the occasional dirt road.
Thanks.

 

There are a bunch of threads on this. Here is the gist of it.

Monroe is like stock. KYB is also like the stock but a bit pricier and better quality, but this may be more based on the brand not the actual shock. Rancho is stiffer. The monroe load levelling will raise the rear a little more (about 1 inch) and add a bit of payload but may squeak after a while. If doing the load levelling (which is only for the rear) a good combo would be the monroe struts up front.

I would look at the sway bars while you are there and swap out the end links with the Moog greesable end links, there could be issues there causing some of your bad ride issues.

 

I would add, Monroe is better than stock, KYB is just like stock. Rancho is the stiffest. That's the extent of your choices. I had a night and day difference in ride quality when I installed my Monroe shocks and struts. Agree on re-doing the front end suspension components while you are at it.

 

Do I need anything else besides the struts to replace them? I will look at all the other components. The truck only has 65,000 miles on it, but rubber parts wear out as much from age as miles. I think I will do Rancho's, unless they would be too stiff?

 

Replace the strut bushings while you are at it. Be forewarned, the lower strut mounting bolt is a total biotch to remove. Better have an impact wrench, blow torch, BFH, lots of beer, etc. Ranchos are not too stiff, just gives a firmer ride (from what I have read).

 

I just replaced mine a couple of months ago. I went with the monroe load assist ( since i pull a trailer pretty often). For the front, I went with the moog complete strut assembly. ( My truck is 4wd) It rides real nice, even when the truck is empty.

 

I am using Rancho RS5029 shocks in my Dodge Dakota, and it can give me a good result. It has a 16mm diameter, which can give you high strength. It comes with protective boots that can protect oil and rod too. This can give you a factory ride performance. It is highly recommended for your vehicle.

 

What year Dakota do you have?

I'm pretty sure that particular Rancho does not fit our generation of Dakota.

 

Spammer?

 

I installed the Monroe Reflex #171100 struts in the front of my BIL's '07 Dakota 4x4 today.They are a nice upgrade from the original crappy struts.For the dreaded lower strut mounting bolt I soaked them for 3 days in PBBlaster then jacked the front by the frame to take the load off of the suspension as much as possible.I disconnected everything(brakes,rotor,axle,sway bar links,tie rod end,upper ball joint) to get it out of my way.I had to do a lower ball joint so the steering knuckle was removed as well.I then blasted the nut of the lower strut mount bolt off from the front while holding the bolt head at the rear with a wrench.I positioned the nut flush with the bolt and rapped hard on it with a hammer and drove the bolt towards the rear and it broke free without difficulty.The bushing was fine.Not believing my luck,I repeated the same for the opposite side lower mount bolt and it worked like a charm.As a precaution I used new mount bolt coated with anti-sieze and a new nut when I installed the new struts.This truck was exposed to 13 harsh winters in the New England rust belt and those bolts broke free and I think it had a lot to do with unloading the suspension first.Anyway,that was my experience and I thought I'd share it with all that attempt to tackle it themselves.Try this method and see if it works for you.