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Lowered / Slammed Dakotas
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brandon
Dodge Dakota
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5/20/2002
21:31:47

Subject: how low?
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im thinking about lowering my dakota 3/5 and im wondering if i could still support heavy objects in the bed?
whats the lowest i could go without worrying about speed bumps cause i have a couple really nasty ones on my street??




Got-Speed
Dodge Dakota
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5/20/2002
23:40:58

RE: how low?
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I am pretty sure you can go 5" in the rear without having a c-notch, whereas a 6" would need one.



D
Dodge Dakota
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5/21/2002
11:03:37

RE: how low?
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whenever you lower, you have to worry about
speed bumps. 5" no c-notch, probably the
best drop for the daks is a 3/5

D
01/.47/CC/mods/DJMdrop3-6



DakSport
Dodge Dakota
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5/22/2002
17:13:25

RE: how low?
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whats a c-notch? would it be able to take a snowmobile in the back and pulling a duel sled trailer (with too sleds) if i got the 3/5 drop?

2000 Sport V6 Auto CC, ss grille, system



kota on 20s
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5/22/2002
18:36:44

RE: how low?
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a c-notch is a notch that is in the shape of a C, and you cut out a C in your frame, and weld in the reinforcement notch. you get more axle clearence that way

you can carry the snowmobile, but im sure your axle will be resting on the frame. it will have a HORRIBLE ride. i would notch it if i were you.

Eric, 98 5.2 5speed, K&N gen II, 50mm TB, 2bbl M-1, 1.7RR's, JBA ciramic headers, carsound cat, dumped gibson, and a lot more

brandon
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5/22/2002
19:25:18

RE: how low?
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so are u saying u recommend a c-notch at 3/5??

the heaviest thing i carry is a go-kart or a dirtbike



kota on 20s
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5/22/2002
19:40:57

RE: how low?
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for DAKSPORT, i would recomend a c-notch, because of the weight he carries.

you (brandon) shouldnt need one. if the axle starts hitting the frame, you can always add one.

Eric, 98 5.2 5speed, K&N gen II, 50mm TB, 2bbl M-1, 1.7RR's, JBA ciramic headers, carsound cat, dumped gibson, and a lot more

brandon
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5/22/2002
19:52:55

RE: how low?
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thanx kota on 20s, i guess ill go with the 3/5 then




Got-Speed
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5/22/2002
20:24:53

RE: how low?
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Air Lift suspension is always an option. It will raise the rear end when carrying a load or pulling something. This can help to "Level the load" and also help to keep the axel from slammin frame. 3/5 shouldn't need a c-notch, just this if carrying heavy loads. And even then a 3/5 with factory springs in the back should be fine with nothing else added, to carry a load.

Just my $.02 and yeah I want my change !

Marty



kota on 20s
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5/22/2002
22:36:03

RE: how low?
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if you are going to put airbags on to raise and lower the truck, you will have to step notch the frame. and if you dont want to step notch it, why bagg it? you will only get about 7" of drop in the rear. is it really worth the $$$?

if you want a 3/5 and you carry a heavy load, just c-notch the frame. it is inexpencive, and easy to do.

Eric, 98 5.2 5speed, K&N gen II, 50mm TB, 2bbl M-1, 1.7RR's, JBA ciramic headers, carsound cat, dumped gibson, and a lot more

brandon
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5/22/2002
23:13:48

RE: how low?
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yea, airbags are out of my price range



Got-Speed
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5/23/2002
09:14:16

RE: how low?
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Umm, I was not talking airbags in the same sense as an all out suspension. There are "helper" airbags, that are just supposed to raise the back end a few inches for towing. About $125-$150 a pair. You just fill them up at a gas station air compressor, then start towing. This will keep your axel from hitting the frame. This is ALOT easier than installing a c-notch. This can be done in about an hour in your driveway.

Marty



kota on 20s
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5/23/2002
13:14:29

RE: how low?
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dont the helper bags go between the frame and the leafspring? how would this work on a truck with a 5" drop? the bags were designed for a truck with a stock suspencion.

if you could get it to work, it might be a good idea

Eric, 98 5.2 5speed, K&N gen II, 50mm TB, 2bbl M-1, 1.7RR's, JBA ciramic headers, carsound cat, dumped gibson, and a lot more

Got-Speed
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5/23/2002
14:34:46

RE: how low?
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Since the leaf springs are arched there is more of a gap closer to the axel than there is closer to the frame mounts. Say the gap next to the frame mounts is 1" and the gap dead center of the axel is 6" then you would want to mount them closest to the axel (where they will fit between the frame and leaf). They are designed to fit on the leaf between the axel and the frame mount, but since that location does not have anough clearance then you would simply move them right next to the axel. A picture would help more, but I cant draw one here.
Hope this helps to explain better.


Marty



kota on 20s
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5/23/2002
14:48:49

RE: how low?
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ummm... that didnt help...lol

now that i think of it, dont thoes baggs only work on trucks where the axle goes under the leafs? like on rams. and 4x4 dakotas

Eric, 98 5.2 5speed, K&N gen II, 50mm TB, 2bbl M-1, 1.7RR's, JBA ciramic headers, carsound cat, dumped gibson, and a lot more

Got-Speed
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5/23/2002
15:27:52

RE: how low?
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Nope, a bracket bolts onto the frame and the other end clamps onto the leaf spring. Ok let me try this...

\-----0-----/

\-I---0-----/

\----I0-----/ right behind the axel.

BTW I=airbag, 0=axel, \-/=leafspring
Hope this helps LOL

Marty



kota on 20s
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5/23/2002
15:54:25

RE: how low?
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LMAO!! you are quite the aritst! i thought that was the way they were sopost to be mounted

\---|0---/ like that

not like this \-|--0---/

Eric, 98 5.2 5speed, K&N gen II, 50mm TB, 2bbl M-1, 1.7RR's, JBA ciramic headers, carsound cat, dumped gibson, and a lot more

Got-Speed
Dodge Dakota
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5/23/2002
20:33:12

RE: how low?
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*G* thanks.

Nope. The other way. Look at some pics on the internet. I can't think of any off the top of my head right now tho....

Marty



JIm
Dodge Dakota
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5/24/2002
00:54:11

RE: how low?
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hey there brandon if you go to
www.jcwsporttruck.com
and go under suspension look for air lift products you will find slam air, air adjustable springs this would be perfect to put on the back of your truck with a 3/5 and not worry about heavy loads.

Jim




brandon
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5/24/2002
17:21:00

RE: how low?
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alrite thanx, ill look into it



DakSport
Dodge Dakota
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5/29/2002
19:02:26

RE: how low?
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thanks for the explainations Eric.

Hey guys what do you think of a 2/3 drop? Since i carry heavy loads (1 sled in back, 2 on trailer) i think this would be my best bet. I am also interested in putting on a Wings West kit so this would make it look lower then it reallys is.
Any thoughts?

Thanks.

2000 Sport V6 Auto, ss grille, tonneau.
euro clears and V8 TB are being sent.



Got-Speed
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5/29/2002
19:13:14

RE: how low?
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Personally I am waiting on the Cervini's Sniper body kit. I called today and was told that pricing will be released in 2-4 weeks.
If you post your email address I will send pics of my 3/5 drop. Actually just finished it up today with an alignment after dropping the rear yesterday. Cost me $200 in labor to get the rear rivits cut out !

Marty



DakSport
Dodge Dakota
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5/29/2002
20:07:19

RE: how low?
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Hey Marty. my email address is doomhammer125@hotmail.com.

Thanks



low99dakota
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5/29/2002
20:29:47

RE: how low?
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$200 --- HOLY CRAP

I guess the amount of time it took me was worth the money, sheesh


1999 Solar Yellow RC 3.9 V6


Got-Speed
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5/29/2002
21:21:14

RE: how low?
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DakSport - Look for em tomorrow !
Low99 - Yeah it took em about 4-5 hours to do. The price included all new grade 8 bolts plus the bolts that go through the hangers. About $40 worth of bolts. I am happy with it though. Only problem is my front won't align into factory specs. Its off about 1/4 degree (not too bad tho).
BTW - I dropped the front myself, took 9 hours, but I also replaced all balljoints upper and lower and cut out my upper rubber bushings. Put all polly ones in everywhere.

Marty



brandon
Dodge Dakota
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5/29/2002
21:59:10

RE: how low?
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hey marty,
i would also like to see your pics of your 3/5 drop
mntnguy20@hotmail.com



brandon
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6/10/2002
18:53:33

RE: how low?
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what company makes the best 2/4 or 3/5 drop kit?



Got-Speed
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6/10/2002
20:10:53

RE: how low?
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Hotchkiss & Belltech I think have the best.
But prepare to loose an arm & a leg, they are quite pricey.

IMO Western Chassis is the best for the price, no problems w/ alignment.

My only complaint is a squeak from the front end, but I am pretty sure its due to the poly bushings which any good kit will come with.

Marty





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