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Wildman
Dodge Dakota
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7/16/2003
22:19:10
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 Subject: How hard to drop truck 2/3?
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Message:
I just decided to lower my 97 dakota 2/3 with the hotchkis 2in sport coil springs and the 3in sport leaf. I want to know how hard it would be to install this? I have never done any work on a suspension before. I also wanted to know how to change the parts and will I need any special tool other than basic hand tools and the jack in the truck.
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xplikt
GenIII
7/18/2003
01:02:58
|  RE: How hard to drop truck 2/3?
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Message:
First and most importantly, you can not use the jack in the truck. You need a lot more room then that and you better be supporting the vehicle on jack stands. You'd rather not have your skull crushed on the floor by your own truck.
The rear leafs can be done entirely with a jack and basic tools. The rear is really nice when you have another person cause the springs and axle are heavy and another set of arms makes things a lot smoother.
The front will require a spring compressor and maybe a tool for the ball joints depending on your method you like to get them out.
And I highly reccomend the use of a click-type torque wrench. When messing with stuff on a suspension where you carry possible heavy loads, the right torque on all your bolts is critical.
Take your time and follow the instructions step by step and you'll be done in half a day.
So..
Rent the spring compressor and ball joint fork/seperator (if you decide to use one). And remember to ALWAYS chain that spring to the control arm when you're messing with it.
Buy a good quality click-type long armed torque wrench if you don't already have one. Check Northern Tool or SEARS for best prices.
From Krager/Shucks/Checker, SEARS, NAPA, or Wal Mart, they all sell a 2 ton jack and stands in a set for a real reasonable price.
-Mike
http://www.dodgetruckworld.com/xplikt/
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out | straight piped 3rd cat | turndown tip
Full Hotchkis and RAS
Shaved emblems and antennae
150BM fan | removed clutch | HD Radiator
R/T wheels on 275/40/17 Dunlop 9000s
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Jeremy
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/18/2003
12:04:13
| RE: How hard to drop truck 2/3?
IP: Logged
Message:
Ummm, simple and easy and cheap, don't rent any of them tools. Just support the entire frame on jack stands. Take the wheel and brakes off. Loosen the balljoint nuts but don't take them all the way off. Take a 3lb hammer and hit the lower control arm till it pops and gives off the balljoint. The nut will catch it so it doesnt' hurt anything and fall all the way off. Now put a hydraulic jack under the control arm and jack up a few times to put a tad bit of pressure back on the spring. The nut should be loose again so back it all the way off. Now put the jack on slow creep so the arm starts falling slow. Stand back and watch the spring pop right out. No need to destroy your grease boots with a fork or mess with them damn spring compressors.
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xplikt
GenIII
7/18/2003
15:19:52
| RE: How hard to drop truck 2/3?
IP: Logged
Message:
Have you ever seen what happens to a human body when a compressed coil spring hits it.
hahahaha.
Do which ever method you feel comfortable with. I have done both. The rental for spring compressors should come out to about 5 bucks, BTW.
-Mike
http://www.dodgetruckworld.com/xplikt/
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out | straight piped 3rd cat | turndown tip
Full Hotchkis and RAS
Shaved emblems and antennae
150BM fan | removed clutch | HD Radiator
R/T wheels on 275/40/17 Dunlop 9000s
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Wildman
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/18/2003
22:32:23
| RE: How hard to drop truck 2/3?
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks for the info.
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Colby
Dodge Dakota
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7/19/2003
14:40:02
| RE: How hard to drop truck 2/3?
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Message:
Hit a lot of control arms and none has ever given up a balljoint like people claim. I think that's a myth.
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Zach Yeager
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/19/2003
21:37:25
| RE: How hard to drop truck 2/3?
IP: Logged
Message:
that ball joint method works very well if you do it right. you have to use a light hammer. dont hold it too tight, but give the outside of the balljoint a good whack. the vibration will pop the joint loose from the control arm. much much cheaper and easier than joint seperator. as for the spring, i would definitely rent a spring compressor because that is a lot of energy stored in it. very dangerous. i hope i helped.
zach
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Jeremy
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/20/2003
01:20:33
| RE: How hard to drop truck 2/3?
IP: Logged
Message:
It doesn't happen the first hit. You have to pound on it like 10-20 times.
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xplikt
GenIII
7/21/2003
01:23:23
| RE: How hard to drop truck 2/3?
IP: Logged
Message:
"BFH, the Ford solution."
-Mike
http://www.dodgetruckworld.com/xplikt/
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out | straight piped 3rd cat | turndown tip
Full Hotchkis and RAS
Shaved emblems and antennae
150BM fan | removed clutch | HD Radiator
R/T wheels on 275/40/17 Dunlop 9000s
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