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bobodean
Dodge Dakota
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5/08/2007
08:02:03
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 Subject: need help with rear suspension
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Message:
My rear suspension sags a little too much for my liking when I have some weight in the bed. Whats a good fix for this? Air shocks? Air bags? Helper/add a leaf springs? I appreciate any help
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Frank
Dodge Dakota
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5/09/2007
20:28:49
|  RE: need help with rear suspension
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Message:
Whenever I get in the bed, my rear end stops sagging.
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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5/10/2007
02:25:04
| RE: need help with rear suspension
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Message:
The best option is helper springs. There are a variety of types, from a simple add in half leaf to a full "system".
Air shocks place all the weight on the shock mounts and not the springs. Shock mounts are not designed to hold up a significant amount of weight.
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DSW
Dodge Dakota
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5/11/2007
02:52:00
| RE: need help with rear suspension
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Message:
I'd go with a set of air bags,,, and wish I had done the same.
I installed the RoadMaster Active Suspension on my 03 QC and it works as intended, but it's a PITA to adjust. You have to suspend the rear end of the truck by the frame to relieve the spring tension, adjust the nuts for the additional load and then lower the truck again, not something your going to be doing every time you haul something heavy. They work great for towing my 3200# boat, but if I'm not towing or the bed is empty it's a lot rougher on the bumps. I'd think the helper springs would be similar, once they are on the truck is going to ride like a potato wagon unless there is a load on the back of the truck.
The air bags are a better solution as you can adjust them by varying the air pressure for different load conditions. Something I'm looking into...
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OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
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5/11/2007
18:44:06
| RE: need help with rear suspension
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Message:
Absolutely use add on leafs full length, never the half leafs. Air shocks are tough on shock mounts and air bags are an absolute no-no for hauling loads. Air bags put the load centered on the frame and busting the frame does happen, Fords being the worst. If your talking light loads, do as you please.
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capone
Dodge Dakota
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5/14/2007
01:24:32
| RE: need help with rear suspension
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Message:
What year is your dakota? If its pre 97 I've got a set of heavy duty
leaf springs laying around. I also have a set of helper coil springs
that mount between the frame and axle. I'd suggest both, it really
increased my capacity. If you've got 97 or later then I'd get
something similar to the coil springs. I'm not sure if anyone makes
an aftermarket leaf spring replacement, but you can get the add-a-
leaf.
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Kowalski
GenIII
5/14/2007
15:41:54
| RE: need help with rear suspension
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Message:
I've had helper springs on several trucks in the past, and roadmaster active suspension on this one. A bit stiffer than stock, but I don't think RAS is quite as stiff as regular helper springs. I don't bother readjusting for different loads, just expect my truck to ride like a truck.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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