| From | Message |
Kelly
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/31/2007
03:30:59
|
 Subject: Helper springs or add a leaf?
IP: Logged
Message:
Hi guys! Thanks in advance for your help. I want to accomplish two things with my 04 2wd Dakota: 1) Raise the back end a couple inches or so (mainly for appearance), and 2) increase the level load carrying capacity. I have been searching the forums and online vendors and come up with 2 possible solutions: Helper springs from Hellwig or an add-a-leaf kit from Fabtech. I have a couple questions about these products that I hope someone with first hand experience can answer.
About the Hellwig helper springs- Do they raise the height of the back end at all? Also, the Hellwig catalog says their helper springs are for Dakotas with rear ABS only and no rear brake proportioning valve. I know little about brakes, so should I assume that an 04 Dakota with only rear ABS will not have a rear brake proportioning valve. Is this true?
About the Fabtech add-a-leaf kit- Does it increase the level load carrying capacity? Also, the Fabtech website says the add-a-leaf kit is for a 1997-2003 Dakota. Anyone know if it will work for a 2004? I would assume so since I don’t know of any difference between the rear end of a 2003 vs. 2004.
I would much appreciate it anyone can share their wisdom.
|
Kowalski
GenIII
6/04/2007
08:45:28
|  RE: Helper springs or add a leaf?
IP: Logged
Message:
Did you consider Roadmaster Active Suspension ? That's what I went with - increased height about 2", helps with extra weight, but doesn't seem as stiff as the add-a-leafs I've used in the past.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
|
Kelly
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/11/2007
04:35:43
| RE: Helper springs or add a leaf?
IP: Logged
Message:
I went to my local tire and suspension shop and they had add-a-leaf kits in stock. They put it on in about an hour. It acomplished what I wanted. The back end was raised about 2" so now, when empty, the back end of my 2wd Dakota sits slightly higher than the front, giving it a slight rake. Also, the rear does not sag as much when loaded, but it does still sag when loaded. As for ride quality, I did not notice much of a difference.
|
Kota Kid
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/12/2007
23:11:11
| RE: Helper springs or add a leaf?
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey Kowalski The shop I'm working at now sells the roadmaster active suspension things and they look like they could make a pretty decent traction bar for my lifted 4x4. I'm trying to find a way to control some of my trucks axle wrap without affecting articulation any like ladder bars do. Do you think they would work like that?
|
Kowalski
GenIII
8/13/2007
15:39:03
| RE: Helper springs or add a leaf?
IP: Logged
Message:
I believe they will help some with that. Traction with my truck is excellent. I have a little more weight in the rear than most, with the support for my fifth wheel hitch - but a bit more power to the ground than most too (click on pic for mods). With a full throttle launch, my truck just hooks up and goes; no wheel hop or spin.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
|
Kota Kid
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/13/2007
18:11:16
|  RE: Helper springs or add a leaf?
IP: Logged
Message:
Cool I think I am going to try a set and see how they work. I'm finally getting the 4.56 gears in this week so I can have some fun on the beach on labor day weekend. Maybee I'll throw a set on at the same time and give them a try on the beach. Thanks.
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
