It helps alot..Thanks Chuck. I figured if I had to replace my worn Ball
joints...I'd look into this lowering job a little sooner :)
I'd like to keep the factory ride since I keep hearing the phrase
"teeth-chattering" when people describe the ride once the Dak is lowered :)
I've also seen the Hotchkis replcement leaf-springs...but there was a note
that these would reduce the overall cargo capacity of the Dak.
I'll definitely do some research though.....thanks for the links.
""Chuck Robbins"" <intense99dak@cox.net> wrote in message
news:acmsb0$ad3$1@bent.twistedbits.net...
>
> http://forum.sportruck.com/wwwthreads.pl?action=list&Board=suspension
>
> http://www.dodgedakotas.com/cgi-bin/amb/view.pl?board=low
>
> Grab a coffee and spend a couple hours reviewing these forums. Any
questions
> you have should be answered although you may be a little overwhelmed a
> little at first.
>
> Also you can go to the archives and do a search on lowering and pull up a
> crap load of information.
>
> Some general terms that you'll run across are (and someone pipe in if I
miss
> any):
>
> FRONT SUSPENSION
>
> coils - Naturally the front coil springs.You can get them in 1" or 2"
drop.
> They will change the ride, but generally handle better then the stockers
> because they are firmer.
>
> spindles - Instead of replacing the coil springs (and changing the factory
> ride), you have the option of replacing the spindles (the piece of the
front
> suspension between the control arms that the wheel mounts to). This will
> keep the factory geometry (the spindle arm is in a different location from
> stock) and the factory ride. You can get drop spindles in anywhere from 2"
> to 5".
>
> A arms - Also known as control arms. You can read up on them here:
> http://www.sporttruckdirect.com/supera-arms.html#DakA-arms and
> http://www.sporttruckdirect.com/dakotakits.html
>
> Also when you're talking about lowering the front of our Dak's you'll want
> to consider replacing the ball joints, tie rod ends and control arm
> bushings. Not a necessity (in some cases), but a good idea while you're in
> there.
>
> REAR SUSPENSION
>
> leafs - The rear leaf springs. I don't know of anyone other than hotchkis
> that makes replacement leaf springs, but it's a simple matter of taking
out
> the stock leaf springs and bolting in the new ones.
>
> shackles - These are the brackets at the rear end of the leaf springs that
> connect them to the frame. To replace the shackles you'll need to grind
off
> the rivets (major pita) and install the new ones
>
> blocks - These are simply a spacer that goes between the rear axle and the
> leaf springs. Most will have a taper that will keep the proper pinion
angle
> (more on this later). Blocks are the cheapest way to go, but generally are
> frowned upon because of their unreliability.
>
> pinion angle - The angle of the drive shaft from the rear axle to the
> transmission. If this angle is not kept within tolerances, you're asking
for
> some costly troubles.
>
>
> Hope this helps a little :-)
>
> --
> Chuck Robbins
> '99 Dakota Sport
> intense99dak@cox.net
> www.intense99dak.com
>
>
> > I'm interested in learning more about Lowering my 99 V6 2WD Dak...can
> anyone
> > recommend sites?
> >
> > I've seen references to Springs, Blocks, rods etc....and frankly I am
> lost.
> > I want to get the best information so I can make the right decision.
> >
> > TIA
> >
> > --
> > Kevin
> > http://webpages.charter.net/khoegen
> > Home of the "MAGNUM S/T"
> >
> >
> >
>
>
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 12:04:36 EDT