How Do I Change the Shocks on My Dodge Dakota?

You should change the shock absorbers on your Dodge Dakota truck at least every 50,000 miles, and you might need to change them sooner if you often drive in rough, bumpy conditions. There is a simple test: If you push down on the bumper and the truck's end bounces up and down multiple times (instead of bouncing up and coming down one time), you need to change the shocks. You likely will need to replace both shocks on at least one end of the truck at the same time.

Instructions

Front Shocks

1

Raise the front end of the Dakota, support it on jack stands, and remove the front wheels. Use a floor jack to support the outer end of the control arm, which is the bar connecting the wheel and the steering knuckle to the suspension.

2

Remove the nut fasteners at the top end of the shock absorber with a wrench.

3

Disconnect the stabilizer-bar link from the lower control arm by removing its upper nut.

4

Remove the fasteners for the shock absorber's lower end, which connects it to the control arm, and remove the shock from the truck body.

5

Move the replacement shock absorber into place, and connect the lower fasteners, the stabilizer-bar link and the upper fasteners. Make sure the lower fasteners have the bolt heads facing the rear of the truck, and don't tighten them immediately.

6

Reconnect the wheels and lower the car after changing both shocks. Tighten the shocks' lower mounting fasteners once the truck is at normal riding height.

Rear Shocks

7

Raise the truck's rear end, and support it on jack stands, placing the stands directly under the frame rails. Support the weight of the rear axle with a floor jack placed under the axle tube for the side on which you are working.

8

Disconnect the nut and bolt connecting the shock absorber's upper end to the frame, using a wrench. Remove the nut and bolt for the lower end, and remove the shock.

9

Extend the replacement shock absorber as far as you can, and see if it has new rubber grommets installed in its "eyes." Install new grommets if needed.

10

Install the shock absorber to the body, applying the lower nut and bolt first and then the upper one.

11

Lower the truck once you have changed the shocks as needed.