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durangoman
Dodge Dakota
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7/20/2002
04:59:11
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 Subject: Bouncy Durango
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Message:
I know this may go against the 4x4 grain, and disturb 4x4 purists... but is there anyway to decrease the bouncy ride of a 4x4 SUV, particularly the Durango?
I was thinking maybe some softer shocks would do the trick.
I wont be doing much offroading, although I do plan to hit the rocks once a while, but I do more highway travel and carry electronic equipment to and from coast to coast.
Desperately seeking a less stomach turning ride.....
any advice?
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DucBoy
Dodge Dakota
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7/20/2002
10:13:36
|  RE: Bouncy Durango
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My Dakota was the same way. The factory shocks are actually very "Squishy" to say the least. I would be on the highway and hit a bump and the thing would actually bounce all over the place. The last thing you need in my opinion is softer shocks. I did a swap out of the factory ones to the Gas Charged RSX series from Rancho. It definately stiffened up the ride and got ride of the Bounce effect.
Personally I think you want to stiffen it up not soften it up. They cost me about $35 a shock or so from www.summitracing.com. Visit www.gorancho.com to get the part numbers then you can search for them on Summit's site.
Hope this helps!
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DurangoMan
Dodge Dakota
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7/20/2002
12:09:19
|  RE: Bouncy Durango
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Message:
Thanks for the reply. I was hoping there was something that could be done.
I recently called a Dodge dealer and the parts guy told me that there was nothing that could be done due to the Durango's truck suspension (which its obvious the Durango is on the Dakota's platform). He suggested that I lower the tire pressure a few lbs to stop the bouncy bouncy.
HOw much did it cost you to get the shocks put on your Dakota? or did you install them yourself?
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DucBoy
Dodge Dakota
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7/21/2002
21:10:50
| RE: Bouncy Durango
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Message:
Once I bought them from Summit, It took me maybe 2 hours to get them on. I borrowed a 2 ton jack and some jack stands and did the front firat which went very quickly then the rear. That back was a little tricky but nothing some long socket extension won't help with. I also happened to borrow an electric impact wrench for the wheels but even without that it would have only been a few hours. For the shocks I would not spend the install money personally.
Hope this helps. Lowering the tire pressure will probably only make it worse.
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queasystomach
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2003
03:07:37
|  RE: Bouncy Durango
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I once heard someone say that the adjustabel Rancho shocks gave a better ride for the Durango. OUt here in Los Angeles, Ca., roads are ridiculous (including the highways). The Durango seems to look for bumps in the road.
Any advice on the Rancho shocks?
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Buck
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2003
07:03:46
|  RE: Bouncy Durango
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I put the adjustable Rancho 9000s on my Durango. They work well, you can adjust them to suit your driving conditions. But it is real easy to put them on. You don't need a jack and you don't need to take off the wheels. I did mine in an hour with my D sitting in the driveway.
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Buck
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2003
07:13:20
| RE: Bouncy Durango
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Mr Durangoman: "I plan to hit the rocks once in a while"
If you take your D to the rocks, hit them is exactly what you'll do. Ds do not have much ground clearance and the IFS does not allow for very much flex. I really like my D but I bought a Jeep to go off roading. My frame mounts have many dents and dings from bottoming out. Stiffening my Rancho 9000s to 5 still wasn't enough to keep from bottoming out. Take it from one who knows be careful if you go off road. I was lucky nothing vital took a hit but it was only a matter of time. That's why I bought an older Jeep.
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Queasystomach
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2003
07:52:22
| RE: Bouncy Durango
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Message:
Cool. Thanks for the advice. Although, I don't know much about installing shocks, perhaps I can figure it out... if not, then I'll be off to the mechanic to have em installed (ofcourse after I get the Ranchos). I was hoping something could be done... just cruising down Susnet Blvd. is an adventure in the Durango. Good thing I don't have to constantly carry my equipment.. although my Dur. seems to do okay when carrying a load. I hope my Durango doesn't think I'm being picky... cause she hauled a 6x12 Uhaul fully loaded from Florida cross country in the raging heat to Los Angeles.
Oh yeah, the Rancho 9000s... are those the ones with the inside remote, or do you have to adjust them manually?
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Buck
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2003
23:07:18
| RE: Bouncy Durango
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Installing shocks is real easy. Just get a ratchet wrench with the right socket, I don't remember the size at the moment, and take off the nuts that hold the shock on. The shock will come right off the mounts. Then slip the new ones on the mounts. You may have to open them a bit to match the mounts and then replace the nuts. Simple. The 9000s do have the in cab adjuster but I decided not to get that. First because I didn't think it was worth the money. If you install the 9000s correctly the adjustment knob is real easy to reach. I don't change my settings very often so it's no big deal to change the setting. Second if the in cab adjuster fails the shocks default to setting # 1 which is the softest (squishy)setting until you have it fixed. I'm not saying it will fail or has a bad rep for failing but that's the chance you take.
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Wess Milks
Dodge Dakota
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8/12/2015
21:29:02
| RE: Bouncy Durango
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Message:
I have a 2002 durango driving it now is like having a boat it
tocks all over the plac . I already replaced shovks, stabilizer
bar bushings , upper, lower ball joints and new rack , new tierod
ends but rocks like a boat front to back and side to side any
clue what is wrong? ????
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Wess Milks
Dodge Dakota
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8/12/2015
21:37:25
| RE: Bouncy Durango
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Message:
I have a 2002 durango driving it now is like having a boat it
tocks all over the plac . I already replaced shovks, stabilizer
bar bushings , upper, lower ball joints and new rack , new tierod
ends but rocks like a boat front to back and side to side any
clue what is wrong? ????
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