Ok here's my serious reponse. Is Bernd right? Yes of course he is. Changing
the angle that the rack is in relation to the axis of the ball joints is
going to screw up some handling characteristics. AKA bump steer, When I
first lowered my truck I took a couple of roads as hard as I could to see if
that would be an issue, it was. but after a good alignment it ALMOST
dissapeared, I was still not happy. While the truck handled alot better than
ever on smooth roads it had a tendancy to be unpredictable if a small bump
turned up in the middle of a curve. Back to the shop to do some figuring. We
put the truck up on a twin post lift and supported the wheels so that we
could see the motion of the suspension during normal driving. By realigning
the truck not to spec we were able to eliminate the bumpsteer and add some
extra negative camber. I do go through tires quicker but the truck can take
some nasty turns and still feels safe while doing so.
Up to the point that I bought my truck I only owned cars and was fearful of
not having the handling I've grown accustomed to. After the lowering I can
say that I would put it up against alot of cars that I used to think were
good handlers. and I still have ride comfort and can still tow and throw
alot of stuff in the bed. It's just a matter of compromise. True I can't
haul what it could stock. But that's not why I bought it.
Joe W.
87 Shelby Charger 13.9
98 Dakota 13.1
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bernd D. Ratsch" <bernd@texas.net>
To: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net>
Sent: Wednesday, December 22, 1999 7:34 PM
Subject: RE: DML: Lowering a Truck is Stupid??
>
> Uhhhh...this "Redneck" has taken turns in his old '76 Camaro (Vette
Products
> Mono-Leaf Suspension) that would make a lowered truck cringe. Handling
was
> rated (and tested) at .98g's.
>
> That's why the suspension systems that are specifically designed for
Offroad
> (Raised) or RaceTrack (Lowered) are just that...SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED.
They
> may lower, or raise the vehicle, but a proper setup will not change the
> geometry.
>
> Lowering or Raising a truck/car with just heater or cut springs...or
Blocks
> and spacers isn't the correct way at all and seriously screws up the
> geometry. So do the incorrect rims that stick out of the wheel-wells more
> than 5-6 inches...idiots who think it's "Cool Looking" are seriously
> mis-informed. Lowering or raising a vehicle DOES change the Center of
> Gravity...but if you know what the limit is...you can drive it almost
> anywhere.
>
> Fabtech, Rancho, ProComp, Western Chassis, and all the rest of the "Big
> Hitters" in the industry have a lot of research time behind the suspension
> kits. Don't knock'em until you try them.
>
> $0.02
>
> - Bernd
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-dakota-truck@buffnet.net
> To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
> Subject: Re: DML: Lowering a Truck is Stupid??
>
>
> In a message dated 12/22/1999 3:13:35 PM Pacific Standard Time,
> discman@home.com writes:
>
> > Its a proven scientific fact that lowering ANY type of vehicle is going
> > to help it handle (lowering the center of gravity).Seeing that my truck
> > `97 2WD only has ONE ACTIVE WHEEL , yes, only one turns at all
> > times...this is not the ideal truck for pulling someone out of the
ditch
> > with or using it for anything other than speed. This is why I dropped
> > the b*tch 4 inches, I can take turns like them rednecks have never
seen,
> > no tire squealin like it used to be for me...anyone have an opinion??,
> > go for it
>
> Altering the suspension will always have a negative effect, unless
your
> doing a $2000- $3000 Hoschkis or something...The trucks 4X4 or 2X4 are
> blueprinted to handle the worst of all cases, changing one way or the
other
> all bet are off..
> IMHO, Ted O
>
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