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02:45:41 - 12/29/2024
Dakota Performance
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xplikt
GenIII
8/30/2002
02:25:58
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 Subject: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
After every possible thing that could possibly go wrong with this install, I got almost everything in. The leafs, the front coils, shocks and the Roadmaster is what I have gotten in as of now.
I still have both sway bars and an alignment left. I am scheduled for the alignment tomorrow at 10:00. Right now it's quite sloshy without the sway bars.
Next month on the 15th will be another local SOLO II race. I will see how this setup handles under some more extreme conditions. For now I'm trying to adapt to this totally new vehicle. Expect a bit more detailed commentary on this setup then, but for now I have a pretty good idea of what has changed, gripes, and all the shit that could possibly go wrong.
My posts do contain a bit of language for some of you who are offended by that stuff, but trust me when I say it's nothing compared to when I was working on my truck. Amazing how some words can be used after everyother word and you can rant in a endless rage of vulgarities you never thought possible.
Did I say Roadmaster _and_ Hotchkis? I did. Actually, I didn't even know how well it would work, if at all. However, it did. The only difference was I needed longer u-bolts and a few other parts. I could have taken off one of the plates on the leaf, but I decided not to.
The Roadmaster makes so many improvementa -- even to Hotchkis springs. For certain, I will put these on any vehicle I own with leaf springs in the future. A very worthy investment. Worth every buck. I know Bernd speaks highly of them too if you need a second opinion.
This was installed on a 2002 RC SLT+ 2WD 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD. Stock, shifting from 1st to 2nd gave me a pretty good hop and the RPMs would kind of studder and I was loosing time from the loss of traction between that shift. Now with this kit installed, I do not have that; I now have the reverse, the car now leaps forward when I hit second. . . very cool.
In addition, even without the rear sway bar missing, I do not squeel my tires with just a little throttle in turns. I can now take turns with increasing speed, instead of the sloshy, fish-tailing, squeeling tire turn I had before.
The custom-tuned shocks make a hell of a difference. You have got to just trust me on this one. Not using the Hotchkis custom ones will do this suspension no justice, in fact, it should be required. The difference between the shocks is night and day.
My sways are not intalled because I sripped the idler arms like you have never seen. I stripped those POS threads like I had peeled a banana. I guess it's pretty common to jack these up and I ordered a new pair. The new pair just got here and I am hoping to install that tomorrow night.
This install really is not for the faint at heart. Oh hell fucking no it is not. I am so serious when I say, if you have not done this, you might want to get some professional help, or just have a qualified shop do it for you. The rear was pretty easy, but with one person the weight of those bars and torquing 120 ft/lbs while holding the T55 is a bit of a bitch. Now, for the front, unless you own some nice tools or have a good shop nearby, I would not attempt this side. If you are looking for something to ruin your day, a shitty pair of rental spring compressors and a sharp mangled pitch fork will do it. I was a very angry individual at that point. I did finally get everything on, but no words to describe the crap I went through to get it to work.
The drop looks pretty nice, even on a stock truck. I am expecting some decent improvements next month in the autocross, but I guess we'll have to see. For now just the looks and leaps in gear shifting is enough to keep me happy.
I have also seen a couple posts where people were having creeking and odd noises coming from their setup. I got on my bed and jumped up and down and rocked the truck and I havn't gotten any cracks, creeks, or sqeeks. I was sure to torque everything down to spec, maybe that was their issue. I'm keeping an eye out for it though.
In the end, I really do feel the Hotchkis and Roadmaster was worth every penny. For those of you who are looking into the group buy Jonas is offering right now, you might want to take another look. It's an awesome deal and you will not be disappointed.
If you have ANY questions, just ask!
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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handi2
GenIII
8/30/2002
11:29:16
|  RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
I have had the roadmaster active suspension for about 6 months. The kit is great. I don't do any racing or allot of high speed turning but the kit will make a difference on any vehicle.
I installed the kit for towing and hauling but the other advantages are inherently built in to the system.
http://photos.yahoo.com/handi254310
2002 Quad Cab SLT Plus 4.7 Every Available Option
Access Tonnoue Cover/Bedrug/360 Air Intakez/Jet Stage 2
180 Robertshaw/Roadmaster Active Suspension
Street Scene Grill Inserts
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MikeD
*R/T*
8/30/2002
11:54:58
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
Xplikt, glad to see that U got everything finally put together. I'm getting my 2" Groundforce springs and 3" Hotchkis Leaf springs in the back put on today. Everyone had their truck dropped except me so I thought I might as well do it, plus everyone said my R/T looked like a 4x4 so hopefully this drop helps. Glad to hear your happy w/ the handling...I didn't get shocks but I'm thinking I probably should in the future.
~Mike~
Get In...Sit Down...Shutup...& Hangon
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kota on 20s
GenIII
8/30/2002
12:24:22
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
X, what wheels and tires are you using?
-Eric
Injection is nice, but i'd rather be blown.
5.2L, 5speed. Powerdyne SC, 50mm TB, 2bbl M-1, 1.7RR's, MSD 6BTM, ciramic JBA headers, carsound cat, dumped gibson
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xplikt
GenIII
8/30/2002
14:01:00
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
Heh, I am using the stock SLT+ ones. I really need new rims and tires! I am not a big person on rims but I would like some nice light weight alumninum rims that look ok. They don't have to be the best lookings thing in the world. It's mostly durability and weight I am looking for. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.
I would love to get some Falken Azenis, but apparently their largest size are just a tad too small. I guess some Kumho or Dunlop SP8Ks will do just as well.
Hey Mike, you really have to look into those shocks. The difference is really there. Not just on hard driving, but everyday driving. The Bilsteins are actually a better ride in my opinion than the stock ones.
The rear sway is going on tonight! The front sway needed new nylocs, because cheap ass uncle Mopar didn't give me any with the new end links I got. I live in a small city, so they are harder to get. We have a Home Depot, but they are Metric-Racist bastards. The new nuts are expected to be here Tuesday.
Oh yeah, I just got back from my alignment and it made a huge difference.
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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kota on 20s
GenIII
8/30/2002
14:10:03
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
yeah i was asking because a tire can make a HUGE differance in the performance of a vehicle. expecially if you lower the aspect ratio and widen the foot print
-Eric
Injection is nice, but i'd rather be blown.
5.2L, 5speed. Powerdyne SC, 50mm TB, 2bbl M-1, 1.7RR's, MSD 6BTM, ciramic JBA headers, carsound cat, dumped gibson
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xplikt
GenIII
8/30/2002
14:38:23
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
Yeah, I know. I've been told by a lot of people at the autocross track last time that I really need to get some low pro racing rubber and drop it some. One out of two aint bad.
The only part that kinda detracts me from buying new wheels right now is the fact the autocross have 3 races left and then it'll start snowing and here come the snow tires. I got a lil snowplough now!
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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xplikt
GenIII
8/30/2002
14:40:43
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
Ooo, one more thing. What is the largest size I can use with this setup (full Hotchkis)?
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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Marks DQC
GenIII
8/30/2002
21:02:55
|  RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
Love my Hotchkis setup also.
I'm wanting light weight rims also. The best I've found would be Weld EVO. BUT they don't make them for the 6x4.5 bolt pattern! They have Forged wheels that are 1/2 the weight with all the strength. The Velociti and Andro are both beautiful wheels. (www.weldevo.com)
I've called them a couple times and they say there hasn't been enough demand for the Dakotas. Each time they log my request. So here's what everybody can do to help their fellow Dak owners out. Call Weld EVO toll free at 866-753-4296. Tell them you are interested in them making wheels for your Dakota. They won't need your name or anything.
Maybe with enough calls they will get with the program.
2001 Dakota Quad Cab SLT , 4.7L, Auto, 3.55, Garnet Red over Slate
Zaino, Tint, Vent Guard, Gaylords Lid, Hotchkis, Bilstein, Wet Okole Covers, Painted Grill Shell w/ Ram inserts, S/S Bumper/Valence Cover, Billet Antenna, Precision Roll Pan, APC Clear Corners, Airaid, Gibson
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Bob W
GenIII
8/31/2002
13:37:21
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
X, the wheel size and offset is the most important to think about before you buy tires or wheels.
Gibson headers, Gibson Cat-back, Edelbrock IAS shocks, K & N drop in, 180 stat, Jet stage II chip, ARE Lid
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xplikt
GenIII
8/31/2002
22:02:49
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
IP: Logged
Message:
Yeah, I know Bob, I want to keep my wheel bearings in good shape if ya know what I mean ;) I think the stock Dakota rims are +12mm -- not for sure. I am looking to keep it rather close to that offset though.
Mark, I noticed there is a lack of 6x4.5 lightweight racing wheels too. I'll be sure and give them a call on Tuesday. Hopefully bothering them enough will put them in gear.
Swaybars aren't supposed to be the performance package, but rather complement it. However, it seems they made the largest noticable difference on my truck. Just an observation.
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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MikeD
*R/T*
9/03/2002
13:01:35
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey X where did you get your alignment done at?
~Mike~
Get In...Sit Down...Shutup...& Hangon
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xplikt
GenIII
9/03/2002
13:38:48
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
Just a local place. I couldn't get into Les Schwab or Big Mountain Tire (exactly like Les Schwab) in time to go to an auto-x race that was yesterday. It seems they did a pretty good job and I even got a print out of what my alignment specs' were before and after the adjustments. That I liked a lot.
BTW, I didn't make the race anyhow. I was feeling a bit sick and school started today.
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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xplikt
GenIII
9/03/2002
21:28:53
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
What's the widest tire I can fit with the hotchkis setup? I think I've seen 18x9 in the front and 18x10 in the back. Can anyone confrom this? Mark?
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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Bob W
GenIII
9/03/2002
22:10:22
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
IP: Logged
Message:
X, No, I think the stock offset is + 25 5.5 backspace if you go with a 4.5 backspace 18x10 your wheels will be sticken out about 3" or more.
Gibson headers, Gibson Cat-back, Edelbrock IAS shocks, K & N drop in, 180 stat, Jet stage II chip, ARE Lid
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hskr
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/04/2002
00:10:57
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
Okay, You do not need a spring compresor, or ball joint tool to install the Hotchkis coils. Can be done using a hydralic jack and a small sledge hammer(5lbs). WHen our control arms are at full extension, there is very little tensionon the coils to make them pop out. Just remove the nut off the ball joint, and set a jack about 1" below the control arm. Then hit the ball joint and it will pop apart. The jack will catch the control arm and you can just pull the coil out by hand. Goes back together the exact opposit minus the sledge hammer. Use the hydralic jack to cmpres the conrtol arms enough to get the nut on the ball joint. The rear leafs are extremely easy, and sway bars are almost a direct replacement. The shocks made the biggest difference on my truck as well.
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xplikt
GenIII
9/04/2002
00:52:16
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
IP: Logged
Message:
Yeah, I was told of several ways to do it after I had already done the install. Where's a mechanic when you need one.
<-- is destined to NEVER be a mechanic.
Hrm, three inches would look a little odd.
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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boettli
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/04/2002
20:11:57
|  RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
How much did you pay for custom tuned bilstien shocks?
On Hotchkis website they are $85.00 a piece, which is outrageous, I only paid $65.00 for my edelbrock IAS shocks. I was going to get the TVS package from hotchkis, but they don't come with shocks. On truckperformance.com(where I ordered every mod I have) they have the TVS package for $922 but no shocks. I could also get the Ground Force 2/3 drop kit with shocks for 488.00 then add the Hotckis front and rear sway bars for another 506.00. That way, I would get shocks included for $995.00. Does that sound like a good idea?
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HSKR
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/05/2002
22:13:28
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
$85 each from Hotchkis is the best price you will find, and about the only place you can buy the custom tuned Bilstien shocks. On my truck, I did the Hotchkis kit minus the shocks to begine with and was using KYB shocks. It was an improvement over stock, but not much. A few months later I finally had enough money to get the Bilstiens and am glad I did. The shocks themselves made more of a difference in handling than the rest of the kit. No other drop shock being sold will out perform the custom tuned Bilstiens when combined with the Hotchkis suspension. It should be mandatory to get the shocks with the rest of the kit. Forget about the price, and just get trhe Bilstiens. Your truck and anyone who rides with you will thank you. That is until you take a 25mph offramp at 50mph.
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xplikt
GenIII
9/06/2002
01:14:52
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
Also, one of the pluses with the Hotchkis kit, is everything is on hardened bushings. I don't know if Ground Force does that, but it's not a bad thing. In my opinion the shocks are worth it and I noticed a huge difference. It really does complete the kit.
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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Marks DQC
GenIII
9/06/2002
07:00:28
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
IP: Logged
Message:
xplikt,
Sport Truck mag had a Dakota owned by a hotchkis employee a few months ago. he had 19x9 up front and 19x10.5 in the rear. Of course he had the Hotchkis kit on also. That's the widest I've heard of.
Think his rear tires were 28" diameter, 295/35/19. The fronts were like 275/35/19.
2001 Dakota Quad Cab SLT , 4.7L, Auto, 3.55, Garnet Red over Slate
Zaino, Tint, Vent Guard, Gaylords Lid, Hotchkis, Bilstein, Wet Okole Covers, Painted Grill Shell w/ Ram inserts, S/S Bumper/Valence Cover, Billet Antenna, Precision Roll Pan, APC Clear Corners, Airaid, Gibson
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xplikt
GenIII
9/06/2002
09:10:43
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
That magazine doesn't happen to list the backspacing does it? 19x9 is pretty cool actually and is probably big enough. Going with different sizes kind of kills easy wheel rotations, but I only get to use regular tires like 1/2 - 2/5 of the year.
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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Marks DQC
GenIII
9/06/2002
14:44:59
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
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Message:
I don't think the article included backspacing. I do remember they were HRE wheels. Great looking! They should be for $1200 each. HRE custom builds each set of wheels they make.
I would bet you could call Hotchkis directly and ask for the guy with the Dakota in Sport Truck mag. Their organization isn't that big. You might be able call HRE, they a a low volume shop and might have records.
I will look through my old copies when i get a chance.
Mark.
2001 Dakota Quad Cab SLT , 4.7L, Auto, 3.55, Garnet Red over Slate
Zaino, Tint, Vent Guard, Gaylords Lid, Hotchkis, Bilstein, Wet Okole Covers, Painted Grill Shell w/ Ram inserts, S/S Bumper/Valence Cover, Billet Antenna, Precision Roll Pan, APC Clear Corners, Airaid, Gibson
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xplikt
GenIII
9/06/2002
16:07:24
| RE: Hothckis and Roadmaster Install Done!
IP: Logged
Message:
Jeeez. HREs, I've seen those on.... oh yeah, Vipers!, for the most part.
2002 2WD RC SLT 4.7L 5spd 3.92 LSD
MBRP Single in/out, straight piped 3rd cat, turndown tip
Hotchkis swaybars and springs
Bilstein custom tuned shocks
Roadmaster Active Suspension
Shaved emblems and antennae
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