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Lowered / Slammed Dakotas
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bobcunningham
Dodge Dakota
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10/14/2002
17:50:54

Subject: hotchkis lowering ???
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i bought a hotchkis kit but havent put it on yet. i have an eibach kit on my 01 std.cab r/t now and it sits with a little bit of a rake (spare tire removed), that is what i want with my hotchkis kit a slight rake. the kit allows you to raise or lower in 1/4 increments with the leaf blocks, has anyone removed the spacers or have left the leafs intact(as they were shipped to you)? do you need to get longer u-bolts? i contacted hotchkis they said they think i can use my stock ones, but i dont think my stock u-bolts are long enough. any comments and suggestions would be most helpful before i tear into the suspension, again.



xplikt
GenIII
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10/14/2002
21:08:20

RE: hotchkis lowering ???
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Because of adding the Roadmaster to my Hothckis leafs I had to get longer u-bolts. Which wasn't that big of a deal. I mean, how much are u-bolts. I even added some washers and locking washers to mine, just because.

If you are looking to raise it in the rear, you should be taking off plates. There is no way those bolts wont be long enough then. I was just a tad shy with my setup.

The only current picture I have of the leafs is this one:

http://www.dodgetruckworld.com/gallery/xplikt/78815.jpg



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

Marks DQC
GenIII
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10/15/2002
17:40:07

RE: hotchkis lowering ???
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I have 2 out of 4 of the plates in and used the U-bolts with no problem. I think they would have still worked with all 4 plates.

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

xplikt
GenIII
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10/15/2002
19:13:28

RE: hotchkis lowering ???
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I seem to remember even with the Roadmaster and all 4 plates I was able to put the bolt on a bit, but I was short half a bolt's worth of threads.

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

midnightdak
Dodge Dakota
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10/15/2002
21:43:00

RE: hotchkis lowering ???
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hey guys i would rather go hotchkis on lowering my dakota 2001,i heard it would be better than belltech and djm is it? would the ride be better?is hotchkis cheaper? whats the website for ordering hotchkis?

thanx,



Marks DQC
GenIII
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10/15/2002
23:16:44

RE: hotchkis lowering ???
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Better is hard to say. You need to know your goals when lowering your truck. What's most important?

Ride height/Looks?
Ride Quality?
Cornering Ability/Handling?
Cost?

Hotchkis is a performance kit that loweres the truck and improves the handling/ cornering ability. IMO it's the best handling system available. But it does stiffen up the ride quite a bit. The springs are stiffer. And it's on the pretty expensive side.

Depending on how you do it, belltech and DJM both make good kits. Some options ride better than others, some are much lower in cost.

I am extremely happy with my hotchkis setup. If you are interested the Hotchkis site is www.hotchkis.net.

You might also contact Randy Pile at www.worldwideperformanceparts.com. He sells Hotchkis at significantly better prices that their website, but even more important he is very experienced and can help you select the right system.

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

Steve
Dodge Dakota
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10/17/2002
23:10:17

RE: hotchkis lowering ???
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I have a '99 Dak Sport that I'd like to lower just a little more than a R/T but don't want to sacrifice the ride.
Any ideas?
Steve



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