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Iwannadrop
Dodge Dakota
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7/06/2002
11:36:23
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 Subject: Installing your own drop kits.
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Is it hard? What tools do you need to complete the job? Do the kits come with directions? or do most people pay someone to do it? thanks
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D
Dodge Dakota
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7/06/2002
21:52:40
| RE: Installing your own drop kits.
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Message:
my DJM kit came with instructions, but if you
are mechanically inclined, and have air tools, I
would say go for it, if you dont have air tools,
you're gonna need a lot of muscle and a lot of
time.
I dont think its worth the couple hundred
dollars a shop will charge you, unless, you're
gonna use shackle hangers, and in that case,
let them do the job, and lose their hearing.
D
01/4.7/CC/mods/DJMdrop3-6
http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/p0intless/lst?.dir=/
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Douglas
Dodge Dakota
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7/07/2002
08:27:22
| RE: Installing your own drop kits.
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lets say I dont have air tools. and was going to spend a weekend doing a drop using the hotchkis system. can it be done using simple floor stands?
How would i know if i need shackle hangars?
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Iwannadrop
Dodge Dakota
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7/07/2002
10:21:50
| RE: Installing your own drop kits.
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What kind of air tools are we talkin about? I have an air compressor with an impact wrench etc. What do i need exactly? thanks
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Marks DQC
GenIII
7/07/2002
13:02:11
| RE: Installing your own drop kits.
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I did my Hotchkis drop in about 6-8 hours (I'm slow) with a friend. I used an impact wrench and a few special tools I got on loan from Autozone. You will need a pickle for tool for separating ball joints and an (inside) spring compressor. I agree with D that if you are mechanically inclined you can get it done. Without the imact it will be tough to get everything tight.
The Hotchkis instructions are not detailed. You can download them in advance from their website. If you have a lot of questions after reading the instructions ask Hotchkis or here.
Don't forget to get the truck aligned to Hotchkis spec after either.
Good luck!!
2001 Dakota Quad Cab SLT , 4.7L, Auto, 3.55, Garnet Red over Slate
Zaino, Tint, Vent Guard, Gaylords Lid, Hotchkis, Bilstein, Wet Okole Covers, Painted Grill Shell w/ Ram inserts, S/S Bumper/Valence Cover, Billet Antenna, Precision Roll Pan, APC Clear Corners, Airaid, Gibson
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Ctdak
Dodge Dakota
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7/07/2002
15:16:46
| RE: Installing your own drop kits.
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You don't even need the spring compressor, you can just use the jack to lower the control arm. Just be very careful and tie a chain or rope around the spring and something strong like the frame.
I would use the air tools, because I did it without and had to retorque all the bolts about a week later, plus some of them are in there pretty good.
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N8 dawg
Dodge Dakota
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7/07/2002
20:14:45
|  RE: Installing your own drop kits.
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i did mine by myself with a lil help from a friend....i used the shackles/hangers in the back...if u get them u better have a torch if not have fun trying to get the old hangers off.....i did the springs up front without a spring compressor.....dont know y u even would need one...just lower the jack down slowly and you would be all right.....if 2 17 y/o can do all this in 5½-6 hours then i think u guys should be able to handle it....if i would of got blocks i proably would have saved about 2 hours too.
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Iwannadrop
Dodge Dakota
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7/07/2002
22:46:30
| RE: Installing your own drop kits.
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N8 dawg which kit did you install? Im lookin at a DJM 3/5 kit with c.arms and shackle and hangers. Anyone do one of these themselves and if so how were the instructions? thanks
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n8 dawg
Dodge Dakota
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7/08/2002
12:08:24
|  RE: Installing your own drop kits.
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i got the djm coils and shackles and hangers...dont get coils for a v6....supose to lower it 3/5 but only lowered it at most 1½in. in the front.....the c. arms ahouldnt be much harder than the coils...only have to take a few more bolts off......and with the shackle/hangers.....u dont have to have a torch but i tried it with a air chisel and it didnt do harly anything...try and get a torch if u dont have one.....but other than that its pretty easy to do....i am going to get some c. arms some time this month to level out my truck.....and if u want instructions goto djmsuspension.com i believe thats there site and u can d/l the instructions there....but u really dont need them it is kinda explains its self once u get the tires off.
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Setphen Cecil
Dodge Dakota
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7/08/2002
15:10:36
| RE: Installing your own drop kits.
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Use an angle grinder and some fresh grinding discs to remove the bolt heads on the old hangers. Harbor Freight sells a cheap electric one for under $30. Trust me, it's worth the money in saving you hours and hours of time.
I ground off the heads in under an hour for both sides. No need to use a torch or air chisel.
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Iwannadrop
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2002
13:00:28
| RE: Installing your own drop kits.
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Thanks for the advice guys. at Setphen i just bought an angle grinder. Perfect timing. Just another question. Say i ever decide to sell the truck is it possible to convert it back to stock? Do u need to get it re-riveted? thanks
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N8 dawg
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2002
18:33:09
| RE: Installing your own drop kits.
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why when i have a torch i got them hangers off within 3/4 min. on each side.....just i had problems with the new hangers kept putting them in without the screws.
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J
Dodge Dakota
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7/10/2002
11:30:59
| RE: Installing your own drop kits.
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please dont use grinders or a torch to take off the rear hangers....we all want to keep you alive and safe :)
heat and sparks are a bad thing, and you could end up dead....
please use a drill and drill out the existing fasteners, and besides it really is the fastest way.
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Iwannadrop
Dodge Dakota
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7/11/2002
00:16:49
| RE: Installing your own drop kits.
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Message:
Alright thanks for the advice J. But say i ever decide to sell the truck is it possible to convert it back to stock? Do u need to get it re-riveted? thanks
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