Front struts options for the Dakota

djsilver · #1 02-07-2008, 10:16 PM

I think most everyone knows by now that no-one except Monroe even lists a front strut for the Dakota and theirs isn't actually available even though they're listed on the Monroe website.

Well I just went to what I consider one of the best free parts cross-references on the web (www.partsamerica.com) and did some studying. The Monroe Sensatrac 71111 front shock listing for the 2006 Ram 1500 (4x4 only)non-Mega cab looks to have the same mounting brackets as the Dakota. I've attached the picture from their website. I couldn't find any other pictures but if the Monroe fits, so will the Rancho RS5788, RS99788 or RS999793 quick-lift kit.

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I just ordered one Monroe sensatrac p/n 7111 from www.partsamerica.com. When it comes in I'll take detailed measurements and then send it back. I have a pair of OEM Dak front struts to compare it to and I'll publish the comparison.

Frenchy · #2 02-08-2008, 04:51 AM

sweeet......

Good thing your taking your time/money to find out for the DF community..

Thank you

lghtngblt02 · #3 02-08-2008, 09:32 AM

That would be cool if thatis the case! Good work!

turbot_bird · #4 02-08-2008, 12:42 PM

they might be just a little longer

studlyblueiz · #5 02-08-2008, 08:40 PM

I was trying to get stock struts from a donor Ram...no luck though. Things I was gonna measure for fit up on the ram strut:

coil diameter
max travel from eye to eye
max compression eye to eye
Lower strut eye to coil mounting surface

I think that was it...

Good luck with that!

DD064x4QC · #6 02-08-2008, 09:24 PM

i was talking to some of my gear head friends and its probably going to bolt up but we think that the travel of the shock is going to be to long. but i'm hoping it works. a quick lift would be nice to put on the truck.

DD064x4QC · #7 02-08-2008, 10:37 PM

has anyone tried cross referenced struts to jeeps? i was told that the jeep grand cherokee has the same front suspension. anyone else heard this?

studlyblueiz · #8 02-08-2008, 11:00 PM

No I think jeep uses a different type of strut altogether for their liberty's, commander's, etc.

Here I attached an image of exactly the strut used on everything except the JK

[IMG]local://upfiles/45623/D593CE5825554966B1D13C20E6B1E269.jpg[/IMG]

DD064x4QC · #9 02-09-2008, 03:03 AM

i'm not saying you are wrong i was just told that the grand cherokee has the same IFS on it as the dakotas. maybe this person was told wrong or read about it wrong. i really dont know too much about this so i thought i would ask someone.

studlyblueiz · #10 02-09-2008, 08:39 AM

maybe in regards to the differential and axle. I'm not too sure about control arms or knuckles. It'd be nice to know though. But as far as topic of thread is concerned Jeep uses a clevis design. Dodge uses an open "C" mount at the bottom of its strut.

Thanks for bringin Jeep up though I thought the Grand cherokees were keepin Solid axles. didn't even consider it as ifs. I'll start reading into some of the aftermarket lift instructions to see how similar it really is.