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dgedak99
Dodge Dakota
8/06/2001
17:50:22
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 Subject: how about this for a slight 4x4 drop?
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What if I cranked down the torsion bar about an inch and got 3 inch dropped leaf springs? any info greatly appreciated! Thanks!
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Hawkeye
Gen III
8/06/2001
18:23:05
|  RE: how about this for a slight 4x4 drop?
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With the extra weight of your transfer case, front drive shaft, front axle, and extra front end components, your ride quality will probably stink. I raised my torsion bars a little and ride quality is just about right.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
32x11.50 BFG AT's
Green Thunder
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rEID tARDO
Dodge Dakota
8/07/2001
12:39:43
| RE: how about this for a slight 4x4 drop?
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Message:
Ummmmm... I have a question??? Why would you lower a 4x4?? Just curious.
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Doug McCoach
Dodge Dakota
8/10/2001
13:03:48
| RE: how about this for a slight 4x4 drop?
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Message:
Dgedak99, I went thru the same thought process. If you are on the west coast, there are a few custom shops out there who are willing to do the work. Playing with the torsion bars for an inch drop is ok but you may sacrifice ride quality if you go farther. The custom shop can relocate the torsion bar brackets for the front & you can use custom made leaf springs or get custom made shackles for the rear. Also, they can deload the stock springs for the rear. The drop springs usually consist of one or two leaf springs & as a result aren't as strong as the stock ones so you would sacrifice load capacity & may affect ride quality as well. Also, for any drop 2" or greater you'll be wise to use new shocks. If you live out there & have the bucks, let the custom shops do it. The reason I wanted to drop my 4x4 was for the low profile look & handling benefits but I live on the east coast so my tenative solution is to trade in my 4x4 for a 2002 QC 4x2 3.92 rear 4.7L V8. I also found out you can get fender flares for the 4x2 so it will retain the bad ass look of the 4x4 as well. Obviously I will lose money on the trade in but I'll have a better performing stock truck & there are many more after market mods avail for the 4x2 manual tranny!
2000 QC 4x4 Auto 3.55's 4.7L V8 soon to be:
2002 QC 4x2 5 speed 3.92 4.7L V8 baby!
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dgedak99
Dodge Dakota
8/16/2001
20:09:25
| RE: how about this for a slight 4x4 drop?
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Message:
i live on a mountain so I need 4x4 capability. But i loved that lowered look. I dont want to slam it, but i want better handling capability cause im going to add a supercharger, intake, exhaust, tb, etc etc. by the way, where in the east coast are you? im in NJ.
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Manny
Dodge Dakota
8/18/2001
01:08:04
| RE: how about this for a slight 4x4 drop?
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Message:
Try using a lowered chevy shackle from bell tech #6400. Using this shackle you might have to use washers to install them. This will give you about 1 1/2inch drop in the rear and drop the torsion bars....watch for alignment issues if you lower the torsions.
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Doug McCoach
Dodge Dakota
8/18/2001
22:44:16
| RE: how about this for a slight 4x4 drop?
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Message:
Dgedak99, I live in Lansdale, PA. If your not familar with its location its about 30 miles
north of Phila. By the way, if you stick with the 4x4 the aftermarket products may be just over the horizon. My latest issue of Sport truck shows a "Breakthrough" from Kenne Bell. Its a high performance computer upgrade called the "optimizer II" I'm not sure if it works for the 4x4 but the add reads as follows:
Features:
-Up to 25 more HP
-More torque at any RPM
-Quicker acceleration
-Faster throttle response
-Re calibrated fuel & spark maps
-Improved trans shifting(electronic)
-Kenne Bell calibrated, no self tuning required.
It says its avail for the 4.7L V8 Dakota but doesn't say if it works for the 4x4 & its
price is $349. This is the first time I have seen anything that improves the shifting of the auto & boy does it need improving. Mine shifts into 4th sometimes as slow as 30 mph even on an uphill & if I give it a little too much gas to accelerate it downshifts, that is so annoying!
The ad also says you can call or email for free info that gives before/after dyno results. Check'em out @ www.kennebell.net
I wouldn't be surprised if we see Kenne Bell & Dodge begin to work together soon.
2000 QC 4x4 Auto 3.55's 4.7L V8
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dgedak99
Dodge Dakota
8/19/2001
14:45:51
| RE: how about this for a slight 4x4 drop?
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Message:
Hope they come out with something for my 4x4 5.2. Thanks for the info!
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Doug McCoach
Dodge Dakota
8/21/2001
22:14:21
| RE: how about this for a slight 4x4 drop?
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Message:
I called Kenne Bell, he said the optimizer II will be available for the 4x4 auto in about 6-9 weeks. Stay tuned!
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Python97
Dodge Dakota
8/23/2001
11:34:24
| RE: how about this for a slight 4x4 drop?
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Message:
Where did you find this info. There website has nothing.
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Doug McCoach
Dodge Dakota
8/26/2001
15:43:07
| RE: how about this for a slight 4x4 drop?
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Message:
Python97, see top of page 186 of October issue of "Sport Truck". The magazine was only $10/year & is loaded with great articles for street trucks. If you can't locate it, just call Kenne Bell, they'll verify it & tell you all about it. I'm still waiting for the before/after brochure.
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Doug McCoach
Dodge Dakota
9/05/2001
12:48:55
| RE: how about this for a slight 4x4 drop?
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Message:
Well, the brochure is very informative as far as what it does to improve performance & addresses many questions that one might have. The only problem is they show 2 before/after graphs & don't label them as far as which engine/vehicle they are talking about & from the results, they are not talking about a Dodge vehicle at all. However, Kenne Bell has a good reputation & for the price it looks like a good deal- when its available.
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