Re: Dakota HANDLING

From: Richard A Pyburn (rap777@juno.com)
Date: Thu Jun 17 1999 - 17:24:49 EDT


I added a rear sway bar right after I bought the Dak ( it came with the
front one). Wouldn't be without it. I bought the Hellwig anti-sway bar
since it had urethane bushings; the Addco has rubber.

Richard in SA

On Wed, 16 Jun 1999 21:07:48 -0400 Bob King <k85go76@erols.com> writes:
>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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