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mcarthey
Dodge Dakota
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6/23/2004
10:03:53
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 Subject: Increase capacity?
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Message:
I'm just getting into making some mods on my '97 5.2L 4x4. I haven't had a single problem with the truck and am planning on keeping it for a long time. I've got about 100K miles on it and am going to be replacing some parts that are wearing in the front end... shocks, brakes. I was told the ball joints are wearing as well, so I'm probably going to do that as long as I'm in there. I'd like to mod the truck to have a greater carrying/towing capacity. I'm not looking for great speed (although that wouldn't be a terrible side effect). I'd just like it to have an aggressive look to it. What sorts of mods would you recommend to increase the towing ability of the truck? Shocks, springs, tires? I'm just learning, so I'd like to get a checklist of things if possible.
Thanks much for any help all!
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towingability
Dodge Dakota
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6/26/2004
08:42:37
|  RE: Increase capacity?
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the biggest thing holding back a lot of trucks in towing ability is NOT tires, springs, etc. but the BRAKES. thats right your truck can prolly pull a lot more weight then the owners manual says BUT if you do the brakes will burn up in a short while and even if they have not, the added weight on the small disks/drums you have just caint stop an additional 10,000 lbs when that light up ahead turns red and you only got 300 ft. to stop from 50 mph, your gonna blow the intersection and kill some hot chick in a Honda.
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ScojoDak
Dodge Dakota
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6/26/2004
08:54:14
| RE: Increase capacity?
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hmmm... well, the previous post is right without the need for the last couple of lines. However, a good trans kit and trans cooler is necessary. You might want to watch your cooling system too. Thermostat and perhaps an oversize radiator. It all depends on how much you're going to pull. Good luck!
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Kowalski
GenIII
6/27/2004
08:24:02
|  RE: Increase capacity?
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Actually, I'd consider the previous posts wrong. In most states, trailers over a certain weight require trailer brakes. Having decent brakes on a heavier trailer is important; with properly set up trailer brakes the trailer can take care of its own braking duties without putting extra stress on the truck's system. No stopping problems here with my 24.5' camper.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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ScojoDak
Dodge Dakota
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6/27/2004
11:48:47
| RE: Increase capacity?
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Kowalski, you're 100% right when it comes to a trailer with substantial weight say 5000 lbs plus. And most trailers of that weight have built in brakes (if you're smart). But the average joe often hauls a ton or two to the dump or has to tow his buddies broken car from across town. Get my point?
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mcarthey
Dodge Dakota
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6/29/2004
23:51:38
| RE: Increase capacity?
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Message:
I've got surge brakes on my primary towable, so that's helpful, but like ScojoDak stated... I've been known to carry a load of rocks or 2x4's from time to time. :) I need to replace shocks and brakes so I'm looking at Baer brakes. I only have front disc. What would be involved in changing over completely to disc? Would I see much benefit or is it enough to change over the front brakes?
Thanks for all the responses!
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Kowalski
GenIII
6/30/2004
15:27:17
| RE: Increase capacity?
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Message:
Scojo - you're right, I was focusing on the brakes and missed your excellent suggestion of a tranny cooler - my bad...
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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