Forums
Forum Tools
|
 |
01:30:14 - 12/20/2024
Lowered / Slammed Dakotas
| From | Message |
Jake
Dodge Dakota
10/18/2001
07:43:49
|
 Subject: How to lower in front???
IP: Logged
Message:
I just got some lowering springs for the front and my back, and was just wondering if anybody had any directions on how to remove and install the new springs. the kit came with no directions, and i can do the back. just wondering if any of yall had any experience in doin it yourself????? thanks jake!
|
Marks DQC
GenIII
10/18/2001
20:49:33
|  RE: How to lower in front???
IP: Logged
Message:
I recently did mine. It took two people about 4 hours. Not recommended for the faint of heart or inexperienced.
This is the procedure I used.
Go to Autozone or another parts store and get a coil spring compressor and a pickle fork tool. Most parts stores will loan them out free but you must leave a deposit. Make sure the spring compressor in the internal type. The outside clamp on type won't do well.
1. Raise the truck and put it on jack stands.
2. Remove the tires.
3. Remove the brake caliper. This is held on by two torx screws on the back side of the caliper.
4. Hang the caliper up by the frame or something that will not be removed. Do not let it dangle by the brake line.
5. Remove the shock, top bolt 1st, then the bottom.
6. Insert the spring compressor and tighten as much as you can.
7. wrap a chain around the spring and the back side of the suspension so that it can't "fly out"
8. Remove the top nut on the ball joint at the top of the spindle. Remove cotter pin and back nut off.
9. Insert the ball joint seperator (pickle fork) between the spindle and the upper mount and give it a few whacks with a hammer. When it seperates the whole lower control arm and spindle will drop and the spring will be completely loose.
10. Take the chain off the spring and pull it out.
11. Remove the spring compressor from the old spring.
12. Remove the top boot from the old spring.
13. Put the top bolt on the new spring.
14. Compress the new spring as necessary so it will go into place easily.
15. Put top boot on the new spring.
16. Put the spring in place and twist it to align the top boot as it was before.
17. Lift the spindle back into place inserting the ball joint in it's top mount.
18. Put the nut back on and tighten to set the ball joint.
19. When tight insert a new cotter pin. (very important.
20. Remove spring compressor.
21. Replace shock.
22. Replace caliper.
23. Replace wheel.
24. Repeat for the other side.
25. Do the rear end.
26. Go get an alignment.
Have fun!
See My Ride
2001 Dakota Quad Cab SLT , 4.7L, Auto, 3.55 LSD, Garnet Red over Slate, Zaino, Tint, Vent Guard, Gaylords Lid, Hotchkis Springs, Bilstein Shocks, Wet Okole Covers
|
Marks DQC
GenIII
10/18/2001
20:52:57
| RE: How to lower in front???
IP: Logged
Message:
Oops eliminate step 13. It doesn't make sense. Step 15 is what I was trying to say.
2001 Dakota Quad Cab SLT , 4.7L, Auto, 3.55 LSD, Garnet Red over Slate, Zaino, Tint, Vent Guard, Gaylords Lid, Hotchkis Springs, Bilstein Shocks, Wet Okole Covers
|
jkclns
Dodge Dakota
10/18/2001
21:33:32
| RE: How to lower in front???
IP: Logged
Message:
thanks alot, this will really help out.
|
ttt
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/05/2003
23:27:23
| RE: How to lower in front???
IP: Logged
Message:
to the top!
|
rt13
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/06/2003
21:14:17
| RE: How to lower in front???
IP: Logged
Message:
i dunno, even if your faint hearted/not very expirienced, i feel its a great place to start. if you run into trouble, ask some of the people around you, this is pretty easy knowledge to come by. i say its a great place to start, because its not too complex and is lots of fun (for me it is).
1)put the e-brake on
2)jack the truck up, putit on stands
3)i almost did exactly as what was said above, lol.
except you dont need a spring compressor. put a floor jack under the lower control arm to put pressure on the coil. undo the lower control arm (as said above), knock the balljoint loose, and slowly lower the jack, springs should almost fall out. i also found that you dont need to take off the brakes, i did on the first side, and tried to do it without taking them apart on the second time. worked the same for me.
i had also done this on a silverado before i did my truck, but my dakota was much easier. just be thankfull you dont own a ford, i did my friends ranger for him, and it was a PITA,hated every minute of it.
just what ever you do, dont go pay 500 for a shop to do it, it can be done in a couple hours and is very worth the savings to do it yoursefl IMHO.
|
droptopdak
GenI
7/09/2003
19:04:51
| RE: How to lower in front???
IP: Logged
Message:
can i follow those instructions if i also put on drop spindles as well as the drop springs? if so i guess i wont have to take it to the shop. one more question. can someone give me detailed instructions like above on lowering the rear with hanger kit?
|
mjjstang
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/16/2003
04:00:48
| RE: How to lower in front???
IP: Logged
Message:
I didnt even have to take the caliper off.
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
|
