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Doughrat19
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4/04/2004
18:23:04

Subject: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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I just ordered a 2004 Dodge Dakota with the stampede appearance package. One of the first things I want to do is to lower it. I want something that will give it better handling, also I have to deal with bad roads and speed bumps everyday so I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how low I should go and what kind of kit.

Thanks, Matt.



Doughrat19
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4/04/2004
21:22:15

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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I have read alot about the Hotchkis TVS package and Bilsteins shocks, although I can't find any for a 04 dakota yet. Was wondering if anyone had some input on either of these?



Penrod
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4/04/2004
23:02:13

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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My Dak w/Stampede package and 4.7 should be here this week. I'm gonna go with a complete BellTech kit and Nitro Active shocks. I looked at the Hotchkis but the $1100+ price and stiff ride aren't what I'm looking for. What did you order, I ordered a loaded (-leather)white club cab. I'll be scraping the hitch though, gotta get a MBRP Cuda exhaust.



Haught
Dodge Dakota
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4/04/2004
23:41:50

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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I just got my 04 stampede two weeks ago and it is great. It has the 4.7 and a stick. Its loaded, Club Cab Graphite. I think they look great the way the are I dont see the need to lower it. All Im gonna do to it is get the 20" chrome RT wheels and the shaker hood. I may also get some different headlights and taillights and maybe a grill insert. Other than that im gonna leave the exterior alone. Let me know what all you guys do to your stampedes.



Penrod
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4/04/2004
23:53:57

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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Haught, my Dak's not here yet and I can tell you what I'm adding:) BellTech 2/4 drop, MBRP exhaust with Cuda roll pan (-the third cat), Fastman TB w/spacer, Cold air intake, Speed grill inserts, Reflexxions cowl hood and R/T wheels with a lower profile tire for starters. The wife is already complaining.



Doughrat19
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4/06/2004
20:42:49

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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My dakota was supposed to be shipped yesterday, they said 2-3 weeks after that. I got a 3.7 V6 5 Speed Black Club Cab. It is a Sport Plus so everthing that comes with. I opted for the smaller engine cause I have a lot of driving to work and I can always add more HP later on. Like I said, I want to lower it, but not sure what to get yet. Can't really find anything for a 04 model, anyone have some suggestions???

Thanks,

Matt



Doughrat19
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4/06/2004
22:12:40

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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I found a Bell Tech 2"/4" kit shipped to your house for about $488. Anyone have one and can tell me how they like it???



turtleman
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4/11/2004
20:55:04

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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I got a 2003 Stampede with the Bell Tech 2/4. It looks great.Got a Flame Red Club Cab.Street Scene grille inserts,clear corners,3rd gen APC tail lens and a flushmount tonneau from Checkmate.She will bottom out on ocassion though!!!!



Ian
Dodge Dakota
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4/11/2004
21:52:17

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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If the clubcab and quadcab have the same wheelbase and overall length why can't the stampede fit on the quadcab?




Penrod
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4/11/2004
22:35:55

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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Turtleman, did you change or cut the rear bump stops? Is it bottoming out on BIG pot holes or just bumps in the road?



turtleman
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4/13/2004
20:10:55

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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Hey Penrod, Yes I did change the bump stops to the shorter ones that come with the kit.It's just regular bumps in the road. It is a good ride though when not in the bumpy parts. I have thought about putting the stock rear hangers back on.That would give me a 2" drop in the rear in stead of a 4" drop and would probably take core of my problem, but the damn thing looks so good, I hate to do it.



Penrod
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4/13/2004
22:34:35

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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Turtleman, what shocks and rims/tires are you using? Do you think putting the stock hangers with a 1" block would work or do you think you need a full 2"?

I notice you added a Checkmate lid, any chance your in the Bluegrass state? I'm just south of Madisonville and would love to see your ride. There's not many customized Dak's around here, mine will be the third.



Turtleman
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4/14/2004
21:18:50

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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Penrod, got nitro shocks on it.They also came with the kit. The tires that come with the Stampede are pretty meaty.255r65-16. And with the Stampede fender flares its pretty tight down there.I replaced the stock wheels with a set of Chrome mags by Trax, I stayed with the 16's so I didn't have to change tires. I like the big meaty look rather than the low profile stuff. Oh and by the way,I live in Cincinnati, Ohio.I guess we could meet up in Louisville some time. I got the Checkmate put on at the factory in Paducah.They give free installation if you go there.Me and the wife just made a weekend of it and took a cruise to Kentucky Lake.It was great.What have you done to your Dak??



Turtleman
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4/14/2004
21:28:53

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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Penrod, got nitro shocks on it.They also came with the kit. The tires that come with the Stampede are pretty meaty.255r65-16. And with the Stampede fender flares its pretty tight down there.I replaced the stock wheels with a set of Chrome mags by Trax, I stayed with the 16's so I didn't have to change tires. I like the big meaty look rather than the low profile stuff. Oh and by the way,I live in Cincinnati, Ohio.I guess we could meet up in Louisville some time. I got the Checkmate put on at the factory in Paducah.They give free installation if you go there.Me and the wife just made a weekend of it and took a cruise to Kentucky Lake.It was great.Did you say previous that you had a Dak on order??



Turtleman
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4/14/2004
21:30:35

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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I guess I hit the post button twice, DAH!!!!!!



Penrod
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4/14/2004
22:38:26

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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Turtleman, Yes I've got one on order, it shipped on 25 March and should be here any time now. Cincinnati huh, been there, Kings Island, Reds games and to visit family......I like it. After I retired from the Army I seriously thought about moving up there but once I got back to my hick town in KY...it just felt like home.

How do you like the Checkmate? I had one on a S-10 and was pleased with it. I'll probably stick with 'em on the Dak.

I like the meaty look also but I like the R/T rims so I'll have to compromise a little. Any problems rubbing with the meaty tires? If you have any pix my email is Penrod@vci.net, I'd sure like to see it. I've got a sister living in Louisville that I promised to visit this summer. So I'll be headed that way in the next few months, I'm gonna make the visit coincide with a gun show;) When plans are more solid I'll let you know a date etc...

Oh, are the Nitro's the Drop or Active shock? How's the ride?



Turtleman
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4/15/2004
18:15:43

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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Penrod,Love my Checkmate. I left it Black to go with the trim color on my flame red.Looks great! I get a little rub if I try to take a dip to fast, but not real bad. The shocks are drop shocks,thats what the guy at Stylinconcepts recomended. The ride is pretty good I guess,this is the first time I ever lowered a vehicle and really didn't know what to expect.They told me though with the 2/4 kit it should ride just like stock,but not so. Oh well it looks good and I'm happy. See Ya Later!!!



Doughrat19
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4/25/2004
12:32:12

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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I'm picking up my stampede on monday from the dealership. Have to go through my insurance and get it registered first. I went in saturday to take a look at it. Took it for a test drive, I can't wait to get it! I already have the 2"/4" belltech drop kit waiting at home It is finally it!!!



Penrod
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4/26/2004
00:10:27

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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Congrats Doughrat19, mine's scheduled to be at the dealership tomorrow. I say scheduled because it's already been pushed back once. It's sitting in Nashville, TN just waiting to get transported up to KY. I've got the Hotchkis ordered and the chrome R/T rims are already at the dealers waiting for me. Hopefully I'll be riding in style this time tomorrow.



Doughrat19
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4/27/2004
18:26:04

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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Well I got my stampede on monday, today is tuesday, and I'm bringing it back after work tomorrow. I had an engine light come on already...I hope this isn't the start of a trend.



Doughrat19
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5/04/2004
18:58:32

RE: 2004 Dodge Dakota Stampede
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Well the Malfunction light was just a scare. It turned off the next day. I've had my Stampede for about a week now and I love it. I already see myself getting into trouble ordering things for it. So far so good. Going to put my belltech lowering kit on it in a couple of weeks.



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