How do you change front shocks on a Dodge Dakota?

Answer 1

On a 2wd Dodge Dakota years 1987-1996 any engine you start by taking off the wheel. You'll see that the shock goes through the middle of the spring. A the top of shock you'll find a nut, just one nothing else around it. Take it off, the shock may spin but there's a place towards the top of the shock to put an open end wrench on it so it won't while you do that. For the bottom there should be two screws that hold a bar that goes through the lower support of the shock. Remove these and the shock should come right out. Once you've got it out make sure to remove the bar that held the lower end of the shock in place because you'll need it to put in you new shocks. This may be difficult if the bushing are in good condition.

To put a new shock on repeat these steps backwards, make sure to lubricate the bushings, I recommend Lubriplate white grease. Also when installing the bottom shock mount (the bar) I recommend you compress the spring, if you don't have a spring compressor you can put a jack on the wheel hub, works just as good.