I would upgrade the front sway bar first then the rear. From what I
understand you don't want the rear to be stiffer than the front or the
handleing would be dangerous. That's why you don't begin with a rear bar on
a truck that has none. You put the front on then go looking for a rear
bar....
BTW I paid $145.00 from www.shox.com for my addco front sway bar. Of course
I haven't recieved it yet. It's a few days overdue so I need to call
them....
---Mike, near Houston.--- http://www.mikesdakota.com
'93 V8 4X2 MarkIII
Houston Area DML Meet Page
http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/downs/9221
----- Original Message -----
From: Bob King <k85go76@erols.com>
To: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net>
Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 1999 8:07 PM
Subject: Re: DML: Dakota HANDLING
> 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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