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HemiDakota97
Dodge Dakota
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9/10/2002
17:17:14
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 Subject: yanking the torsions
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A buddy of mine and me had an idea about getting rid of the torsion bars and using Coil-over shcks up front. The way we figured it we would have to make custom upper control arms, but we still haven't figured out how to mount the coil-overs on the front suspension. we know we are going to mount the top of the coil-overs to a custom made shock hoopthat will be bolted and welded to the frame, but mounting the bottom of the coi-over is another issue in itself. The reason we want to get rid of the torsions is for reasons; 1) It will help to strengthen the front suspensions. 2) It will allow from a little better ground clearence under the truck. 3) It will help give us back some of the ride and stability we lost when our lifts were installed and 4) We both saw a 4x4 toyota pickup with an IFS front suspension snap, yes snap not break, one of its torsions while the owner was playing in the mud. When the torsion bar snapped we watched the trucks fender hit the tire, then we were shocked when the released tension from the bar forced the truck to flip over on it's side. Needless to say the guy who owned the 'yota had to go home to change his pants. If anyone has any comments on what were planning to do or has any ideas to input, either post a reply to this post or e-mail me at GetchaSome224@aol.com, look forward to hearing from you guys
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THRASH1
Dodge Dakota
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9/10/2002
21:15:52
|  RE: yanking the torsions
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Keep me posted on your progress. That idea has crossed my mind a few times and I have always meant to look at the new tacomas to get an idea.
good luck.
kevin
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papa smurf
Dodge Dakota
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9/10/2002
21:26:34
| RE: yanking the torsions
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Yeah keep us posted, I would be interested in something like that for sure in the near future if it is available.
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born2steel21
GenIII
9/10/2002
22:55:13
| RE: yanking the torsions
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I would like to see how that would work...have no idea if it would. Keep us posted.
-- Death Before Dismount --
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Knobbyman
*GenIII*
9/11/2002
10:44:37
| RE: yanking the torsions
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I was going to look into doing the same thing but stoped that idea when I looked @ my credit card statement.
What would the problem be with using the normal shock location on the lower control arm?
I haven't really looked into it but that would be where I'd start. I'll take a look at my truck tonight and see if any ideas jump into my head.
'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
6" Suspension Lift
305x70x16 GoodYear MT/R's
http://www.knobbyman.com
----Speed only breaks it faster----
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4wDakota
GenIII
9/11/2002
11:28:06
| RE: yanking the torsions
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The shock mount is too weak. The a-arms weren't designed for it. To do it properly you would need larger a-arms so that the coilover shock would be right next to the cv shaft. When you start changing the a-arms you have to also change the mounts on the frame so that is more $$$. You still won't get much lift though because the CV shafts will be too stretched with anything more than about 3" of lift. To get more lift you would need the rancho or tuffcountry lift to bring down the axle. That is even more $$$
Basically what I'm saying is that the coilover idea is too expensive for the minimum lift you get. When it's all done you'll still have just a Dana 35 front center section :(
For all that $$$ you should get the front dana 44 off of a 1/2 ton dodge ram and put it under the dak
98 CC 4x4, 5.2 Auto 3.55LSD
3" Body Lift, 1" Torsion Bar Lift, 33" BFG A/T KO's
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HemiDakota97
Dodge Dakota
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9/11/2002
18:13:11
| RE: yanking the torsions
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4w, the idea wasn't to gain anymore lift, it was just to give better support to the front suspension. Basically, it can be done and yes it is going to cost some $$$, but i think the end result will be well worth it.
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LIL STOMPER
Dodge Dakota
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9/12/2002
01:58:15
| RE: yanking the torsions
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Go to a solid axle that will get rid of them there torsion bars.
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HemiDakota97
Dodge Dakota
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9/12/2002
17:13:04
| RE: yanking the torsions
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If you go to a straight axle your going to lose all your ride quality. What we are trying to do is regain factory ride and increase offroad ability.
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99blkdak
Dodge Dakota
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9/12/2002
20:04:52
| RE: yanking the torsions
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I must know if you get it to work. I was trying to figure it out myself on how to remove the torsion bars and maybe use coil-overs.
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LIL STOMPER
Dodge Dakota
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9/12/2002
22:40:50
| RE: yanking the torsions
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Is it posible to maybe go to an air bag system of some sort. That would probably be a little easier to mount but you might stiffen your ride a little bit (JUST A THOUGHT).
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99blkdak
Dodge Dakota
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9/13/2002
07:25:16
| RE: yanking the torsions
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I was thinking of trying Mustang, Bronco, or Ranger A-arms. One of them has to bolt up
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scott
Dodge Dakota
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9/13/2002
15:52:31
|  RE: yanking the torsions
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Going to a straight axle will not make you lose your ride quality ,if it`s done right. On the contrary , the big red Dakota that was posted around here a while back rides BETTER than stock.
He`s got coil-overs and a 4-link set up , and it`s on 38s. It all depends on how you go about it. Now if you were to put some 6 ton military leaf springs under it , then yea it`s gonna ride like crap.
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hmmmm
Dodge Dakota
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9/20/2002
12:59:17
| RE: yanking the torsions
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You could buy a used jeep that will go all the places your dak never will for less than the cost of the mods you are talking about. Think about it
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HemiDakota97
Dodge Dakota
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9/20/2002
14:51:57
| RE: yanking the torsions
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Actually, i've seen jeeps that can't go where my truck can go now the way it is.
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LIL STOMPER
Dodge Dakota
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9/21/2002
15:28:38
| RE: yanking the torsions
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I can run over most jeeps with my dak, hmmmm think about that.
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TSS
Dodge Dakota
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9/23/2002
17:08:50
| RE: yanking the torsions
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Straight Axel is probably the way to go. By using just coil overs on some larger A-Arms your week point (The front axels) would still be there, I mean if you are gonna spend the money, I would look at this option.
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HemiDakota97
Dodge Dakota
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9/23/2002
17:18:20
| RE: yanking the torsions
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Good point TSS, i've been talkin' to my buddy about it and he's starting to lean more and more towards just slapping a solid axle up front. I'm going to find me a chevy dana 60 Front axle and convert it to reverse rotation so it will run like a ford dana 60 and yes it can be done, i've done it with a danna 44 chevy axle.
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Opie
Dodge Dakota
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9/23/2002
17:27:51
|  RE: yanking the torsions
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If you were to get the coilovers to work, and you wanted to strengthin your axles, many of the four wheel drive baja vehicles use porsche cv shafts, they seem to hold up fairly well. I have always liked the idea of having a coilover I.F.S. setup. I wish there was a company like Total Chaos, but for Dakotas.
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