Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safely lifting the truck. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: For safety.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Socket wrench set: With appropriate sizes for your shocks and any other bolts involved.
* Ratchet and extensions: To reach difficult-to-access bolts.
* Wrench: For any nuts or bolts that require a wrench.
* Penetrating oil (PB Blaster or similar): To loosen rusted or seized bolts.
* Shock compressor (highly recommended): This tool makes compressing the shocks much safer and easier. Trying to compress them by hand is dangerous.
* New rear shocks: Make sure you get the correct shocks for your specific Dakota model.
* Torque wrench: For tightening bolts to the proper specifications.
* Gloves and safety glasses: Protect yourself.
Procedure:
1. Safety First: Park your Dakota on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the front wheels.
2. Lift and Secure: Use the jack to lift the rear of the truck. Securely place jack stands under the rear axle housing, ensuring the vehicle is stable before proceeding. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
3. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel on the side you're working on.
4. Locate the Shock: The rear shocks are typically located on the outside of the axle housing.
5. Disconnect the Shock:
* Top Mount: You'll likely need to remove a bolt or nut securing the top of the shock to the vehicle's body. Penetrating oil may be necessary.
* Bottom Mount: This usually involves removing a bolt or nut attaching the bottom of the shock to the axle. Again, penetrating oil might be helpful.
6. Compress the Shock (with a compressor): Use the shock compressor to compress the shock enough to remove it from its mounts. Do not attempt this without a compressor; it's dangerous.
7. Remove the Old Shock: Carefully remove the old shock from its mounts.
8. Install the New Shock:
* Pre-compress the new shock (with a compressor): Compress the new shock slightly using the compressor. This makes installation much easier.
* Install the bottom mount first: Attach the bottom of the new shock to the axle.
* Install the top mount: Attach the top of the new shock to the vehicle's body.
9. Tighten Bolts: Tighten all bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.
10. Repeat: Repeat steps 3-9 for the other side.
11. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack.
12. Check: Double-check that all bolts are tight and that the shocks are properly installed.
13. Test: Test the shocks by bouncing on each rear corner of the truck. They should rebound smoothly and return to their original position without much oscillation.
Important Considerations:
* Rust: On older trucks, rust can make removing the bolts extremely difficult. Use penetrating oil liberally and allow ample time for it to work. You may need to use heat or other specialized tools to break loose stubborn bolts.
* Shock Type: Ensure you purchase the correct replacement shocks for your specific Dodge Dakota 4x4 model and options (e.g., load capacity).
* Professional Help: If you are uncomfortable performing this repair, consider taking your truck to a qualified mechanic. Improper installation can lead to safety hazards.
This is a general guide. Always consult your vehicle's repair manual for detailed instructions and torque specifications specific to your 2000 Dodge Dakota 4x4. Safety should always be your top priority.
