Re: Dakota suspensions

From: Jon Smith (jdsmith4@hotmail.com)
Date: Tue Nov 24 1998 - 10:01:34 EST


I've had the prob. since day one. With the stock 235-75's 4-ply
sidewall, it would only do it when I hit a bump going through a turn.
After I switched to 30x9.50 6plys it would do it if I ran over a
cockroach. I then switched to 31x10.50 2plys and it's no where near as
bad now. I think it's definitely linked to the stiffness of the
sidewall, but keep in mind Dak's are relitively light in the rear.

Jon Smith
95 CC SLT 4x4x318

>> All pickups do that to some extent. The need to control the weight of
>> the axle and tires on bumps ('unsprung' weight) while having to be
>> able to carry a load results in compromises.
>>
>> Try upgrading the shocks, and maybe even add a rear swaybar. You can
>> also try some lower-profile tires ... 60-series or so ... they don't
>> bounce as much as the OEMs do.
>> - Jim
>
>Both my '93 and '95 never had this problem, but my '98 definitely has
>it. I believe it's because it's a 4x4. The difference was quite
>noticeable and a bit irritating, but everyone has told me that this is
>normal. Still bugs me though. When I'm driving in a straight line on
>pavement, I don't like having to adjust my steering with each bump.
>
>Afterthougt: The strange thing is that I haven't noticed it as much in
>Jason's '95 4x4. There goes my theory. The '95 has 235/75R15 tires,
>the '98 has 31x10.50R15 tires. I believe the larger tires make this
>slightly worse. Here's some more conflicting data: The '95 does not
>have a swaybar, the '98 does. Mind you, the '95 has a fairly heavy
tool
>box in the back with a Rhino liner (which is supposed to add 50 lbs),
>the '98 is empty.
>
>Can someone please explain all of this to me. I've given up on trying
>to figure this out.
>
>Norah
>--
>current: '98 Dakota Sport black 4x4 CC V8/5.2L/Auto
>current: '95 Dakota Sport white 4x4 Reg Cab V6/3.9L/5spd
>RIP: '95 Dakota Sport black 4x2 CC V6/3.9L/Auto
>previous: '93 Dakota blue 4x2 CC V6/3.9L/Auto

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