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08:23:03 - 11/17/2024
Dakota Performance
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Jef
Dodge Dakota
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10/07/2005
21:59:44
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 Subject: Rear Suspension Mods
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I have a 94, V6, 5-speed (no LSD) with a standard cab.
I plan to replace the bushings with polygraphite and upgrade the shocks.
Any ideas on which shocks are best for fast road use?
I don't want to use lowering blocks and I do not carry much load. What spring options are there? I was thinking of removing a couple of leafs (leaves?).
I also want to locate the axle better. I seem to remember a panhard rod was available. Any experience with that?
Do the helper springs help limit axle tramp/windup?
I eventually want to move to a LSD/locker (switchable) like Detroit make. Anyone used that?
Thanks for any info.
Jef
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Matt
Dodge Dakota
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10/09/2005
16:36:21
|  RE: Rear Suspension Mods
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First, lemme ask, WHAT IS YOUR GOAL, offroad, street strip, towing, what purpose are you attempting to serve? ALL of your mods should fall in line with this overall agenda, and I can tell you from experience, the BETTER you plan in advance, the BETTER end product you will have.
with that said, lemme quote you a bit, and answer too...
"Any ideas on which shocks are best for fast road use? "
KYB has really good gas shocks... the better stocks are stiffer, which gives better handling at the sacrifice of ride quality.
"I don't want to use lowering blocks and I do not carry much load. What spring options are there? I was thinking of removing a couple of leafs (leaves?). "
"Do the helper springs help limit axle tramp/windup? "
Okay, which one dude?!?! these are in TOTAL contradiction to one another... are you going to remove leaves, or add? removing will lower the vehicle, but you risk breaking the spring, and severely affect jounce and ride... helper springs are mainly for towing, so the A$$ doesn't sag, but they can help with wind up... BUT I'd suggest looking into a good set of lifter bars. they attach to the axle and push against the front of the spring to prevent windup, and also force the axle against the road harder...
"I also want to locate the axle better. I seem to remember a panhard rod was available. Any experience with that? "
Why?? are you planning on drag racing? you're best bet is the lifter bars and maybe a decent sway bar if you don't have one already. both will add to stability and handling, as well as better launching.
"I eventually want to move to a LSD/locker (switchable) like Detroit make. Anyone used that?"
no, but i've heard of em... I'd stick with the LSD auburn type ( conical) they're better than the disc LSD's, and for the price are really the most dependible and will last a long time. Lockers are best for either track driving or offroad. Keep in mind, that a solid gear change will make an entirely NEW driving experience... the higher the gear, the more power, and acceleration you will gain, at the sacrifice of top end speed and fuel economy..
"Thanks for any info. "
your welcome....
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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10/09/2005
22:37:43
| RE: Rear Suspension Mods
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Like he said, figure out what you're going to do with it to make a solid plan. From what you said, I expect you'll use it mostly for fast road work, no off roading. Autocross? Open track days?
"I plan to replace the bushings with polygraphite and upgrade the shocks."
Good plan. That will really improve cornering without killing your kidneys on the daily commute.
"Any ideas on which shocks are best for fast road use?"
The best shocks ar probably bilsteins, but they are expensive. KYB is excellent for the money.
"I don't want to use lowering blocks and I do not carry much load. What spring options are there? I was thinking of removing a couple of leafs (leaves?)."
Don't overlook lowering blocks. They are a great way to decide just how much drop you actually want. Try them first. Then you'll probably have to get some custom springs made for you with the right spring rates, arch, and drop. There are lots of companies all over the place that do this sort of thing. Do a google search.
Don't forget to change your pinion angle to match the drop. You'll either have to reweld the spring perches, or add a wedge.
"I also want to locate the axle better. I seem to remember a panhard rod was available. Any experience with that?"
Panhard rods are available for just about anything. But once you drop the rear and make new springs, you'll have to custom make the panhard rod. Not a difficult thing to do. You might even consider a watts link.
"Do the helper springs help limit axle tramp/windup?"
Slightly. But that's not what they are designed for, so there's too much of a trade off to make them work for you. Get a 65-73 Mustang parts catalog and take a look at the traction bars Shelby designed for those cars. It's very simple, yet very effective. You could easily make a set for your truck.
You'll also need front and rear sway bars with adjustable end links. Try Hotchkiss.
"I eventually want to move to a LSD/locker (switchable) like Detroit make. Anyone used that?"
Detroit lockers are great for straight line acceleration, but not so great for cornering. Consider an Auburn. At your power levels it's more than enough. Stronger/bigger diffs require more power to run; they increase your parasitic loss.
Don't forget about better brakes. That will allow you to consistantly dive hard into the corners and come out strong. Good brakes will shave a lot off your lap times.
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Jef
Dodge Dakota
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10/09/2005
23:25:05
| RE: Rear Suspension Mods
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Message:
Thanks Matt.
Most of my driving is on-road, without weight and I don't tow anything but a small boat/race car/trailer could figure in at some point.
Not really into drag racing but quick launches are nice. If you are familiar with Route 1 north of San Francisco then you know what I mean by fast road work. Twisty, hilly and narrow.
Its not supposed to be a hard core machine (I have Alfa Romeo's for that) but I want to have even more fun than I currently do.
Not really looking for gobs more power but handling and brakes are important to me.
The rear end is set up for carrying weight and is a little high (great for wieght transfer to overcome understeer).
So softer springs, a little lower with better damping and.....
Lifter bars? Who's? Roll bar for the rear? That would give more understeer but I guess a thicker front bar would offset that. I was looking for decent shocks to remove jounce after removing leafs. Damping is really important.
May need adjustable to get the correct compromise between ride and handling.
Now having said fast road I also want some traction off; hence the locker option.
I konw very little about LSD tech so what works best is 'magic' to me.
Keep it coming......
Jef
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hateeeeer
Dodge Dakota
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10/10/2005
00:24:28
| RE: Rear Suspension Mods
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Message:
meow mix meow mix please deliver. I LIKE TOFU AND RIIIICCCCCEEEEE! i also drive a 99 honda civic that almost goes as fast as my erection. i get good grades and im a really bad driver. I LUV RICERS! it has a hairdryer rigged into the intake i get almost a million psi from that baby. i like rice. i have a coffee can with the bottom cutout for a muffler.i like rice. ill konfu ur ass. tip toe while u take a piss. i put it in ur shoe. everybody wanna see me throw a fireball. hiya!
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zzark
Dodge Dakota
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10/11/2005
11:58:13
| RE: Rear Suspension Mods
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I suggest an anti-sway bar for the rear.
I also have a 94, and I really like the better handling with the rear sway bar.
zzark
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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10/11/2005
14:03:27
| RE: Rear Suspension Mods
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The factory LSD will give you excellent traction at your power levels, it's cheap, light weight, has low parasitic power loss, and lasts a long time. If you really feel you want to step up to something stronger, look at Auburn. Lockers are great for drag racing, but lousy on road courses and street driving (relativly speaking).
The rear sway bar is a must, but it has to match the front. If you use a stock front, go to the bone yard and get a stock rear bar to match.
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Jef
Dodge Dakota
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10/11/2005
14:15:01
| RE: Rear Suspension Mods
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Thanks guys.
I'm not real knowledgable about what the stock options were.
I'll keep an eye open for the rear anti-rool bar but may just go up a little in size front and rear anyway. I do understand that ALL mods need to work together.
Thanks again.
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