Addco makes both FRONT and REAR sway bars for Daks. You can order them
through Pep Boys.
Always thought a front sway bar would have more beneficial effect on
handling than a rear sway bar due to the fact that more weight is up front
to pitch and roll in turns (in an unloaded truck). Of course a full set
(front/rear) is probably the way to go. Any opinions on the previous
statement about front sway bars?
Bob
Pennsville, NJ
-----Original Message-----
From: Bernd D. Ratsch <bernd@texas.net>
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net <dakota-truck@buffnet.net>
Date: Wednesday, June 16, 1999 4:46 PM
Subject: Re: DML: Dakota HANDLING
>The factory shocks on the Dakota's are really soft and some of the trucks
>don't even come with a rear swaybar. The first step(s) would be to replace
>the shocks all the way around with something more aggressive such as the
>Edelbrock Shocks, or if you like "Kidney Busters"...ProComp makes a great
>Offroad shock that doubles as a "Sport Truck" shock as well (ES9000). You
>can also replace/install a rear swaybar with minimal work with the Helwig
>"Sport-Tech" Swaybar Kit (Rear only).
>
>You can find aftermarket coils/springs but most them lower the truck as
>well. This is great for handling but it may not be what you had in
>mind...personal choice.
>
>As for the spring clamps, BIG No-No...if one of the breaks while driving,
>you could possibly loose control of the vehicle due to the sudden change in
>geometry...especially on cornering. These have always been considered a
>"last ditch" alternative if the coils can't be modified or replaced.
>
>(I noticed that you have 31" tires already and you didn't mention if this
>is a 2WD or 4WD.)
>
>Regards,
>
>
>
>At 02:08 PM 06/16/1999 -0600, you wrote:
>>
>>Hi all, been lurking for months, have a question.
>>
>>I seek an auto/truck handling textbook. I want to know everything, the
>>local bookstores have been unable to help me.
>>
>>Since I probably won't find one,I have two percieved problems with
>>handling.
>>
>>At 70mph if I hit a bump the truck floats a bit. I'm thinking probably
>>thicker torsion bars, or possibly different shocks (although I'm not sure
>>what qualities these shocks should have). What do you guys think? Both?
>>Depends?
>>
>>If I hit a bump in a corner the rear end wants to walk away. Again torsion
>>bars would make the front stiffer RELATIVE to the back, which I think
>>would help, right? Coils would help, but are not practical, I think.
>>Someone mentioned a mr Gasket spring clamp helping with hopping. I'm
>>curious what it clamps and how it would make a difference? I guess
>>traction bars would help but I don't want to give up any clearance. I've
>>got big bouncy 31' tires, more metal in the wheel area may also help (if I
>>can arrange it) right?
>>
>>Thanks!
>>mike
>>99 RC manual 318 crank windows ;) cap
>>
>>michael.crotty@m.cc.utah.edu
>>
>
>Bernd D. Ratsch
>Pflugerville, TX
>http://lonestar.texas.net/~bernd/Dakota.htm
>1997 Dodge Dakota SLT/CC (V6)
>
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