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xplikt
GenIII
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9/12/2002
12:03:04

Subject: Hotchkis Bottoming Problems -> Solution
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I recently installed the full Hotchkis suspension, but I've been having problem with the front tires bottoming out, the left one on particular. I emailed Hotchkis late yesterday and got a reply this morning. Kevin, Product Designer, sent me this email and included some photos too. I am going to try it tonight, but for archives purposes I decided it should be posted.




The easiest solution to this problem is to roll your fender lip on that side. This is actually a very common problem for your vehicle. Just take a hammer and roll the lip up. This is especially true if you're going to autocross on it. Our engineer here is running 255/50/R17s on his 97 Dakota in the front without any problems after doing the fender roll up. I've attached a couple of pics from his truck with the fender lip roll up, hopefully they'll help. Good luck with it and have some fun out there.






http://www.xplikt.com/DakFender1.JPG



http://www.xplikt.com/DakFender2.JPG

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

Marks DQC
GenIII
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9/12/2002
18:38:17

RE: Hotchkis Bottoming Problems -> Solution
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As far as rubbing tires I'm sure my can rub on a big bump at high speed. I had a couple rubs until I got the sway bars. I've had mine on since March without any rubs. I do tend to be careful when I see bumps and have not been offroad.

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

xplikt
GenIII
 User Profile


9/12/2002
19:20:27

RE: Hotchkis Bottoming Problems -> Solution
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See, mine my is lighter than yours, but I bottom out on my left side all the damn time. When I ran no sway bars on it for a short while I would bottom out on anything. Hell, without the stock front sway, the stock suspension bottomed one time.

I can do it on railraods tracks at 25mph, the cemented or metal ones.

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

Lemmers
Dodge Dakota
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9/13/2002
09:15:56

RE: Hotchkis Bottoming Problems -> Solution
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More negative camber! (Just Kidding) If you
used the Hotchkis bump stops can't you use
some flat washers to space them up a 1/4"?
I'd certainly try that first before taking a "ford
tool/BFH" to my truck.

Before I dropped the front of my Quad 2" I
ordered a set of Hotchkis bump stops, but
didn't use them they seem reall short. I cut my
factory stops about 3/8" above the steel. I hit
the front bump stops on a set of bad RR
tracks a while back HARD and my tires didn't
hit the fenders w/ 255/60/17 Toyos.

Just a thought,
Lemmers





xplikt
GenIII
 User Profile


9/13/2002
10:26:39

RE: Hotchkis Bottoming Problems -> Solution
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Hehe, no no, no more negative camber. I did think those bump stops were pretty short myself and I had been wondering about them. I don't have a Lowes to get those spacers, only the metric-racist Home Depot.

I am going to jack up my lower arm tonight and see how far I'm off from the stop. Once I get past this, the kit is perfect. The Roadmaster is working awesome. If any of you are looking for a way to upgrade your Hotchkis, add a Roadmaster to it!

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

cudashoe
DakotaEnthusiast
 User Profile


9/13/2002
11:32:04

RE: Hotchkis Bottoming Problems -> Solution
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Also remember if you have a 2001+ with the 255/65/16 Goodyears then you have a 29" tall tire. The Hotchkis was originally designed for 28" tall tires like the R/Ts and the 2000 and early Sport Daks had.

2000 4.7 5- speed, 1989 Shelby #799 White

xplikt
GenIII
 User Profile


9/13/2002
15:50:33

RE: Hotchkis Bottoming Problems -> Solution
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That crossed my mind too. Maybe I should tell them this so they can update their direction. Oh, that reminds me if I send back this form and those rear sway u-bolts they, send a t-shirt!

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

xplikt
GenIII
 User Profile


9/18/2002
21:58:22

RE: Hotchkis Bottoming Problems -> Solution
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This method worked BTW. The BFHammer owned the fender lip.

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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