Is there a way to change the default extract folder when opening Ark?
Currently when I click on a file to extract, it automatically extracts to the Documents folder by default.
I want to change it to the Downloads folder.

At least on my system, Ark's default extraction folder is the folder which contains the file it opened. Where the archives you are opening located?

Their located in the Download folder.

If you open Ark, and then open the dialog through Ark, does it still attempt to extract into the Documents directory?

No. this let it extract to the same Downloads folder.

I should also note that I started using xarchiver to extract my files, because it has been working correctly.
The problem with Ark was noted even before I installed xarchiver. I really would to know if there's a setting to change this in Ark or KDE.
I know I looked but couldn't find anything.

As far as I know, there is no option to always extract to a certain folder. You might want to file a feature request at bugs.kde.org though.

OK. Thank you for your help.