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dl
Dodge Dakota
6/07/2001
10:14:53
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 Subject: R/T Towing
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Message:
Why are 98 R/T's limited to 2000 lbs towing. What mods can I make to tow 4000 lbs (boat/trailer with surge brakes)?
Thanks D
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01RagTop
Dodge Dakota
6/07/2001
19:09:46
|  RE: R/T Towing
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Message:
I'd be driving a 2001 RT instead of the QC if it had more than a 2000 pound tongue weight. I'd also be pulling my boat with another Z28 or an SS if it were rated for anything over 2000 pounds.
The mod I would suggest is a 2001 QC 5.9L, 3.92 limited slip differential with trailer handling package.
just my .02
2001 Black QC 5.9L parked next to a
2001 Black Z28 5.7L-LS1
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Hersbird
Dodge Dakota
6/07/2001
21:07:17
| RE: R/T Towing
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Message:
From what I understand the drop in rating is due only to the lowered suspension in the R/T. Put some load helper springs in the rear or some air bags and it would be good for 5000#'s easy. Or even just switch to a Sport suspension, I bet there are a bunch of Sport owners here that either have installed the Hotchkis kit (and still have the stock pieces) or would trade you for the R/T suspension. If you like the lowered look and handling just put some kind of load healper on the rear springs.
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dl
Dodge Dakota
6/08/2001
09:34:06
| RE: R/T Towing
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Message:
Thanks for the two (2) answers received. I have towed many years and assumed it was due to the suspension as the rest of the running gear is more than adequate. I know Firestone has an airbag suspension modification designed just for lowered suspensions. Unless I get a convincing reply that addresses something other than the suspension, I will add the Firestone package and tow!
Thanks to all
D
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Jas
Dodge Dakota
8/30/2001
12:40:23
|  RE: R/T Towing
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Message:
I have the same problem.
I have an R/T and want to tow a single car hauler (5500#s total).
I was told by the idiot dealer the towing limit was a cooling issue with the huge 5.9L stuffed under the hood of the Dak, although he began to stutter and gasp when I asked why the 5.9 Durango can tow 7000#'s. Same hood, same fenders same area under hood.
The '99 class action law suit was because of the clearance between the axle and frame.
A heavy load will bottom out the springs, causing damage to the axle, the frame or both.
The R/T leaf springs are rated at 2200# each for a total capacity of 4400#. That is total, including the weight of the truck itself, not hauling capacity.
Dodge cut it in half to be sure noone was overloading them and risking another lawsuit.
I am shopping for air bags for the rear as well. Have you found anything reasonable yet?
Would air shocks work as well?
They seem much more reasonable.
Also I have been told to add an additional trans fluid cooler to keep things pulling smoothly.
Jas'
Y2K blk CC 59RT
93 Typhoon #0492
MY00 Impreza 2.5RS - herz
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Demon-Xanth
Dodge Dakota
8/30/2001
13:02:21
| RE: R/T Towing
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Message:
It's largely based on the spring rating, but also check the tires that are used. You can have all of the spring in the world but if the rubber can't hack it you're in big trouble.
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Hersbird
Dodge Dakota
8/30/2001
21:19:32
| RE: R/T Towing
IP: Logged
Message:
I loaded the bed of my R/T with fresh sod. It covered the bed up to the edge and when we were done I noticed that the axle was sitting on the rubber stops. There really isn't much travel until it happens and the truck didn't look much lower then stock, but it was sitting on the stops. I drove it a few blocks home with no problems, it was the first time I couldn't spin the tires from a stop!. I'm sure with air bags that could compensate for say 1000-1500# each there wouldn't be a problem. There is no problem with the cooling, motor, transmission, or axle, it's all about those rear springs.
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