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Blkdak
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2003
11:33:35
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 Subject: Air bag setup
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Message:
Hi, I have a 98 Dakota RC, I figured I would ask you guys about bags since I do not know much about them. Right now I plan on bagging the front with an Air Ride kit (shockwaves or reg setup). For now I do not want to bag the back until later. Eventually when I have the whole setup I want to lay frame. Now, do I need 3" control arms to lay frame or can I use the stock ones? Also, anyone have experience with Air Ride products? I know they are claimed to be the best but just need some opinions
Thanks
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Dillegm
GenII
 
2/18/2003
15:07:37
| RE: Air bag setup
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Message:
Air Ride Tech is proboboly the best out there. I just bagged the front of my 93, and it rides great, but I can't lay frame until I get Control arms and cut the fender-well a little. If you go with Air Ride tech, then go with the shock wave setup.
Dillegm
93 3.9 being painted Black pearl at the moment
http://www.rennysniche.com/dillegm/index.htm
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CASDAK
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2003
20:18:20
| RE: Air bag setup
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Message:
I have a full Air Ride Tech set up on my '98.
By far on of the best kit(s) out there for air-suspension.
I have the Shockwaves for the front and they are worth every penny. The only thing you need to watch is the lip around the spring pocket. This has to be trimmed before installing the Shockwave. However, the ease of installation is great...trim the lip, run your lines and install the bag like a new shock.
I also have the bolt-on 4-link kit. This thing is engineered to handle alot of abuse. I've ran this set up for a year without any problems.
The compressor/solenoid set up has never failed...even during harsh weather conditions. I can even leave the truck setting for weeks at a time without any leak down.
If you have any more questions shoot me an e-mail.
casdak@hotmail.com
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2.5ltr muscle
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2003
22:24:36
| RE: Air bag setup
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Message:
hey casdak where did u order your stuff from ?
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Ted
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2003
00:14:50
| RE: Air bag setup
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Message:
CASDAK,
Whats the front shockwave setup run roughly, including your lines, valves, and compressor?
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CASDAK
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/19/2003
01:58:39
| RE: Air bag setup
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Message:
I ordered my stuff directly from Air Ride Technologies (www.ridetech.com).
The Shockwaves were $849 a pair, pricey but worth it. As far as the compressor, solenoids, and lines I ordered the ARC2600 kit with a Thomas Industries compressor, 2-way Ride Pro system, all of the lines/fitting for the install, and 2-gallon tank (I upgraded to a 3-gallon *no charge), for $899. Again this stuff is expensive, but for a daily driver you can't beat it.
I'm trying to sell the truck, so if anyone is interested let me know.
I've just bought a house and I need some money for "home" reasons.
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Shane
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2003
02:01:47
| RE: Air bag setup
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Message:
CASDAK how is the 4-link for racing/launching?
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CASDAK
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2003
02:47:38
| RE: Air bag setup
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Message:
Well...I've never actually raced this truck, but the 4-link can be adjusted for pinion angle. So in essence it will act like an actual race 4-link, but you will have to watch your pressure.
To much pressure and you won't get proper weight transfer. Not enough and you will bottom out on the frame which would possibly cause damage under hard acceleration.
I have noticed that the truck "squats" real nice during hard acceleration. So weight transfer is at an optimum for and air bagged truck. The only thing I can suggest is that (if) you have an air bagged truck, you will need to test and tune you launches in order to adjust the pinion angle and your rear pressure accordingly.
I have a '92 Dakota with an actual pro-street/race 4-link. I would prefer this type of set up for more of a "race" set-up, especially if you have a lot of horse/torque going to the rear wheels.
Although Air Ride stands behind their kits 100% on the street or at the strip, so it would be up to the owner to decide on which set up to use.
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Shane
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2003
14:04:39
| RE: Air bag setup
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Message:
How much was just the bolt on air 4 link and how hard was the install? I like to race on the weekends but my truck is more geared twards street, i use street tires at the track, im only out there for fun and friends not to be the fastest ting on 4 wheels :) did you notch out the rear? if so how hard was that and if you dint how low can you drop the rear parked?
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Blkdak
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2003
15:27:47
| RE: Air bag setup
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Message:
CASDAK, how do you like the ride with the shockwaves up front. Smooth? Floaty feeling?
Thank you for all your help
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CASDAK
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/19/2003
17:57:48
| RE: Air bag setup
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Message:
The rear set up wasn't that difficult to install, especially if you have already installed a shackle/hanger kit (no rivets to drive out).
Basically you work one side at a time.
1. Disassemble the front hangers/rear hangers.
2. Bolt on the new front hanger for the 4-link bars.
3. Attach the bars to the front hanger and to the axle housing...making sure you keep you pinion angle and wheelbase correct.
4. Repeat step 1-3 on the opposite side.
5. Attach the lower cross bar for the air bags.
6. Attach the top cross member for the air bags.
7. Install the panhard bar...keeping the side to side measurements with in factory specs.
8. Install the bags, lines, and the other accessories to complete the job.
My friend and I didn't notch the truck when we did the install. I wasn't 100% sure the shockwave fronts would go low enough to justify the notch, but with the dropped control arms I could have easily added a step notch to the truck to fully lay it out, but I decided to switch back to the factory control arms...so without the notch it sets perfect "layed-out."
As far as the ride...you wouldn't know that you're on bags. The Shockwaves are built around Hal QA1 shocks that have 11 different dampening positions. So if you think it's riding to soft crank it up, and vice versa if you think it's riding to hard. Once you get it tweeked you can't tell that the truck has been lowered.
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DAVID GARZA
Dodge Dakota
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2/21/2003
02:11:45
|  RE: Air bag setup
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Message:
HOW MUCH WOULD A AIR BAG SYSTEM COST WITH BAGS, COMPRESSORS AND WHOLE THING. INCLUDE THE INSTALLATION AND DO YOU NEED TO BUY CONTROL ARMS OR JUST A AIR BAG KIT. IF YOU NEED THE CONTROL ARMS, THEN INCLUDE THAT ALSO IN THE PRICE. BUT JUST GIVE ME A PRICE THAT WOULD GIVE ME A COMPLETE SYSTEM OF FAST BAGS FOR MY 98 DAKOTA. THAT I WOULD LEAVE MY VEICLE AT A SHOP WITH EVERYTHING STOCK AND COME OUT THE SHOP WITH A AIR BAG SYSTEM INSTALLED. WHATS A PRICE FOR THAT AND WHATS A GOOD BRAND?
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