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Lowered / Slammed Dakotas
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Anthony
Dodge Dakota
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4/01/2007
20:39:29

Subject: 2002 QC drop
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I have decided to drop my truck, its a 2 wheel drive quad cab. I would like to drop it 2and4 and Iwould like to keep it as close to a stock ride as possible. My question is ,what is better drop arms or spindles? Ihear a lot of conflicting stories so I figured what better place to find out. If the guys and gals of Dodge
dakotas dont know nobody does.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give. Anthony



modain
GenIII
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4/03/2007
11:42:54

RE: 2002 QC drop
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I can't answer autoritatively regarding the Dakota/Durango suspension, but I'm guessing drop spindles are the way to go for lowering the front if it's anything like the Chevy trucks my buddy has lowered.

Doing that method you don't alter the spring rates or travel so you get the full suspension you have now. The only difference is the wheel center will be 2" higher than normal. The downside to this approach is the lower A-arm is now two inches closer to the ground. This could be a clearance issue, perhaps.

Lowering the rear doesn't achieve the same ride quality retention. Since the truck is 2WD the axle is on the top side of the spring pack. Putting blocks between the axle and springs will lower the truck. But this places the axle closer to the frame, reducing its travel. You'll have to cut the bumpstops down (or replace with shorter ones) so the suspension can have close to sufficient travel to absorb bumps. Downside to this is the springs are now closer to the ground reducing clearance. Using lowering shackles keeps the axle and spring relationship the same. This moves the spring higher on the frame, thus lowering the truck. Either method will affect the ride quality of the rear end.

What's your left foot doing?
=========================================
2002 Graphite QC SLT Plus, 4.7L, NV3500, Superchips 3715, 3.92 LSD, loads o'fun...
2001 Patriot Blue Durango SLT, 4.7L, 45RFE, Superchips 3715, 3.55 Open (for now)
1999 Forest Green Dakota RC Sport, 2.5L, NV1500, 3.55 Open


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