you've got me worrying whether my kit will work properly or not...I went
with Autobahn Wholesale and bought a Chassis Tech 3/4 drop kit with explorer
pro comp shocks and this weekend I've read nothing but bad things about them
on other Dak owners pages...better not be for the $$$ they cost...yeah they
are cheap...but still expensive when you don't make much!!!
Eric Jerman
Camp Lejeune, NC
98 Dakota Sport RC 3.9L 5-speed
----- Original Message -----
From: "MAGNUM S/T" <khoegen@charter.net>
To: <dakota-truck-moderator@bent.twistedbits.net>
Sent: Saturday, May 25, 2002 9:25 AM
Subject: DML: Re: Re: Truck Lowering Sites
>
> 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"
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
>
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