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Grant
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/09/2002
21:06:55
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 Subject: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
Hey, i was just wondering if anyone knew why hotchkis makes a 2/3 drop for dakotas, while most other companies have a 2/4 or 3/5 drop. Wont that make it so there is still a once inch difference in height in the back. If there is that height difference, is there a way to make it flat with still using the hotchkis kit. I have a 98 reg cab sport that i want to get rid of all the fender space and im wondering if the hotchkis kit will lower it enough to make it look good, or if i should go with a lower kit. Also wondering if anyone else has this setup. Thanks!
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Marks DQC
GenIII
9/09/2002
21:22:21
| RE: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
I have a QC but, the Hotchkis kit did lower my truck all I wanted. If you want the rear lower you could add 1" blocks to the Hotchkis springs. Personally I like it the way it is.
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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xplikt
GenIII
9/09/2002
22:40:03
| RE: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
I am a new addition to one of the Hotchkis dropped Dakotas here. I think a 2/4 would look kinda funny myself, I just don't see the rear being any lower. I think it would look tilted.
I love my setup and I couldn't be happier with any other suspension. Although, with the talk about these Kenny Brown x-braces, I might have to pic one of those up early next year.
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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JJ
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/10/2002
18:40:03
| RE: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
Marks DQC, when you put that roll pan on did it come that color or did you color match and paint it.
If you did paint it I was wondering if you got it to match correctly.
Just wondering because i'm in the market buy leery of the matching color, esp on a bright metallic silver.
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Marks DQC
GenIII
9/10/2002
23:19:47
| RE: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
The roll pan came in raw steel. Had to be smoothed, primered, and painted. Had a local shop do it the same time they painted my bumpercover ane the grille shell. They did a great job matching the paint.
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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Grant
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/11/2002
02:00:49
| RE: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
Marks DQC, what size tires have you used with you hotchkis kit. Are they the stock size that comes with the 16 inch rims??
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Marks DQC
GenIII
9/11/2002
06:53:08
| RE: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
Grant, Yes I have the original wheels (16x8) and tires (255/65/16) on the truck for now.
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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xplikt
GenIII
9/11/2002
13:26:49
| RE: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
My front left rubs sometimes, it pissed me off sometimes. So far that's my only complaint.
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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cudashoe
DakotaEnthusiast
9/12/2002
00:23:18
| RE: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
They make the Eagle LS tire in a 225-70-16" size that has the same letters as the stock 255-65-16 LS. I change dto that size on the front, kept the 255s on the back, and I dont rub no more.
2000 4.7 5- speed, 1989 Shelby #799 White
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xplikt
GenIII
9/12/2002
00:58:00
| RE: Hotchkis kit
IP: Logged
Message:
So it's not an unuaual rubbing then? I emailed Hotchkis earlier today about it to see if they have any ideas, but it looks like i need smaller tires. My snows are smaller and it's not but another few months 'till I go to those. This Winter I'll be saving for goodies when summer comes around (Spring has snow too).
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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kota on 20s
GenIII
9/12/2002
02:45:27
| RE: Hotchkis kit
IP: Logged
Message:
damn mark, you NEED some wheels!! some 18's would phatten up that ride nicely!
-Eric
Injection is nice, but i'd rather be blown.
5.2L, 5speed. Powerdyne SC, 50mm TB, 2bbl M-1, 1.7RR's, MSD 6BTM, ciramic JBA headers, carsound cat, dumped gibson
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cudashoe
DakotaEnthusiast
9/12/2002
10:01:19
| RE: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
One thing with keeping the Goodyears: White letters!! Plus the Eagle LS is probally the best riding performance tire out there. My ride improved with the smaller size to. Handling is better now because I can take those turns faster.
2000 4.7 5- speed, 1989 Shelby #799 White
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xplikt
GenIII
9/12/2002
11:41:45
| RE: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
I was very surprised at how well the stock tires perform under hard cornering at 46-47psi. (cold) Not much roll at all really. For stock truck tires I have abused them pretty badly.
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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kota on 20s
GenIII
9/12/2002
12:59:31
| RE: Hotchkis kit
IP: Logged
Message:
cuda, isnt it a T-ratted tire? that is not a performance tire, but rather a touring tire.
-Eric
Injection is nice, but i'd rather be blown.
5.2L, 5speed. Powerdyne SC, 50mm TB, 2bbl M-1, 1.7RR's, MSD 6BTM, ciramic JBA headers, carsound cat, dumped gibson
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cudashoe
DakotaEnthusiast
9/12/2002
14:44:36
| RE: Hotchkis kit
IP: Logged
Message:
Well ok, but with the Hotkchis, they perform flawlessly whatever you call them.
2000 4.7 5- speed, 1989 Shelby #799 White
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xplikt
GenIII
9/12/2002
15:52:33
| RE: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
Man, I am all hyped about getting new tires, but I would only get them for a short few months -- if that. Got to find something else to divert my attention to.
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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Marks DQC
GenIII
9/12/2002
18:34:40
| RE: Hotchkis kit
IP: Logged
Message:
When I 1st got the Hotchkis setup I didn't get the sway bars. I had a few rubs on the front left also. I put the sway bars on in March. Since then not one rub. I try to be careful over one certain big bump at a RR crossing on the way to work.
I am going to get 18's+ soon. So far all the rims I like either aren't made 6x4.5" or are over $1000 each (HRE's & Fikse).
For instance a set of Weld EVO Andro ot Velociti would be sweet, but no 6x4.5. Can't get blanks to be drilled later either. They say there isn't enough demand....
Right now I'm liking AFX wheels Ambush. They have 20x8.5 wheels with +18mm offset or 18x8.5 with a +15mm.
Kota on 20s, with that offset how would the wheel look on the truck? Tire size recommendation? For the 20's I'm thinking 255/45/20 in front, 275/40/20 in the rear. For the 18's 255/55/18 and 275/50/18. Or should I keep them the same all around?
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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Grant
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/12/2002
19:59:13
| RE: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
how come you get tire rub in only the left tire?? Why is the right not rubbing? Any other complaints about the hotchkis setup? Has anyone ridding in dakotas with the hotchkis and also with something else like belltech? If so, what was different and was the hotchkis much better??
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xplikt
GenIII
9/12/2002
23:43:53
| RE: Hotchkis kit
IP: Logged
Message:
The left side of the vehicle is heavier than the right for the most part. I got a solution from Hotchkis on how to go about fixing it. I sent them an email in the late afternoon, but the next motning I got an email, bright an early, with two attached jpgs of a Dakota one of their employees own. Talk about service!
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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xplikt
GenIII
9/12/2002
23:58:20
| RE: Hotchkis kit
IP: Logged
Message:
Mark, I know exactly what you mean. I was really interested in the Kinesis wheels, but they were no cheap pair of rims. Those AFX ambushes look real nice I think. The thick bars give it an excellent look for a truck. Not very wide though, must be more passenger-car oriented.
Oh yeah, another reason I rub real easy is because I have the fender flares.
I've also considered just going to some 17s so I can still fit some Falken Azenis' on them, but I am hoping they will bring out an 18" size.
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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Grant
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/13/2002
00:10:46
| RE: Hotchkis kit
IP: Logged
Message:
That makes sence that they rub if the left side is heavier. the strange thing is, my truck sits lower on the right. My upper ball joints are screwed on my right side though, so would that be the reason why its lower on that side? haha, i dont know if anyone can answer this
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xplikt
GenIII
9/13/2002
02:01:13
| RE: Hotchkis kit
IP: Logged
Message:
Yeah, that doesn't sound normal. Have you experienced any other probems or quirks?
You have a 98, so the springs should still be in good shape. I'm not really sure what's up.
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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kota on 20s
GenIII
9/13/2002
02:07:57
| RE: Hotchkis kit
IP: Logged
Message:
mark, im running a 6 1/4" backspace on a 8" wheel. since you have flares, subtract that amout (they stick out what? 1-2 inches?) from the backspace.
its up to you if you want a wider tire on the back. just remember, you will not be able to rotate them, and when paying over $300 per tire (for 20's) you might want to take that into consideration.
i was going to widen my rear rims, and go with a wider tire on the rear, just to make it look better, but adding 20-30mm is not worth the money for me.
-Eric
Injection is nice, but i'd rather be blown.
5.2L, 5speed. Powerdyne SC, 50mm TB, 2bbl M-1, 1.7RR's, MSD 6BTM, ciramic JBA headers, carsound cat, dumped gibson
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Justin
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/18/2002
15:45:43
|  RE: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
I was wondering i have a QC identical to marks and i wanna get the hotchkis 2/3 drop about how much would it be for a local shop to install it you think??
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Marks DQC
GenIII
9/18/2002
21:33:05
| RE: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
A local shop wanted $200 for the front and $100 for the rear. After I did it myself I knew why. Not complex but time consuming.
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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Grant
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/19/2002
21:03:56
| RE: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
Is the ride quality good with the hotchkis? or is it pretty bumpy. i tried a dakota with djm and i didnt like the feel of it
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xplikt
GenIII
9/19/2002
22:58:12
| RE: Hotchkis kit
IP: Logged
Message:
It's no Lexus, but I actually like the ride quality more than stock. The ride is more of a firm, not floaty movement. It's the shocks are where you find the greatest portion of ride quality. The Hotchkis setup with the stock shocks is makes for a horrible feeling. The ride is bouncy and quirky, but with the Bilsteins (or another shock) it was smooth.
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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Grant
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/20/2002
10:32:42
| RE: Hotchkis kit
IP: Logged
Message:
That sounds like it would be much better than the djm i tried then. I was planning on getting the Bilsteins shocks as well with the hotchkis. Thanks xplikt. Have you gotten any pics of your truck yet???
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xplikt
GenIII
9/20/2002
10:35:58
| RE: Hotchkis kit
IP: Logged
Message:
My sister's have some, but havn't gotten them to me. I gave them my e-mail and hopefull they'll send it off today.
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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mnkybrs
GenIII
9/24/2002
14:02:32
| RE: Hotchkis kit
IP: Logged
Message:
Xplikt...
I too was rubbing slightly on my left side after my drop. I had to go to smaller tires to keep from rubbing all the time only on the left. When I was asking some guys one day, one of them asked what side the fuel tank was on....the left of course. So I think that has alot to do with why it rubs on the left side. You also said that Hotchkis sent you a fix for that problem....can you share it with me? I would like to know what it is since I still tilt a little to the left.
98 Dakota Sport C/C V6
Deep Amethist
Clear corners
Home Brew Intake Custom Made Grille
3923's DynoMax 17748
ASA TRS Wheels on 235/55R16 Kumho Tires
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xplikt
GenIII
9/24/2002
19:21:54
| RE: Hotchkis kit
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Message:
I posted it on the forum with the pictures and all. You can find it here:
http://www.dodgedakota.net/boards/low/559.html
If you do not understand the picture, what they did was cut a sort of arc on the flare, then they bent that metal lip upwards by mashing it with a hammer. It worked great for me. I was only rubbing at the very edge of my tire, but once I did this it gave me all the clearance I needed. If you are bumping your tire to the roof of the well, I can't help ya there.
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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