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goff
Dodge Dakota
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3/15/2003
09:09:20
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 Subject: Dakota and Dakota RT suspensions
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Message:
Hi,
Does the RT have a different front
suspension than the regular Dakota? Which
year Dakota and or RT from 1987 to present
has the best front suspension given the
weight of a V8?
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Barry
Dodge Dakota
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3/15/2003
17:51:27
| RE: Dakota and Dakota RT suspensions
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Message:
Yes, The RT is lowered 1" from the factory. The RT was first made in late '98. Then the differences from the RC to the CC. What year are you trying to mod? Believe that the 5.2 and the 5.9 weigh about the same.
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goff
Dodge Dakota
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3/15/2003
18:13:07
|  RE: Dakota and Dakota RT suspensions
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Message:
Barry, Thanks for your reply.
Actually I'm looking to acquire the IFS from a
Dakota or preferably an RT now that you've
explained the difference, to use in my 1956
Chevy Pickup. There is a company that makes
crossmembers, industrialchassis.com that
has hit upon using a real truck IFS for the
popular Chevy instead of the Mustang ll IFS,
and is using the Dakota's IFS claiming its
stonger and the right width while providing a
good ride instead of the "car" IFS's that most
are using in such a swapout of the old solid
axle. I'm overseas with the truck and Dakotas
are hard to come by and don't know much
about them. I've also noticed on this Dakota
site, that owners are talking about the
Hotchkis kit. I've seen it but can't figure out
how the parts locate on the Dakota. Do you
know anyhting about them and is this an
improvement to the RT factory IFS
suspension? When I get back to California, I
plan to scour some bone yards to find a
Dakota (RT) IFS and ship it overseas.
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goff
Dodge Dakota
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3/15/2003
18:22:23
|  RE: Dakota and Dakota RT suspensions
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Message:
BTW, what is an RC and a CC?
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topcrow@yahoo
Dodge Dakota
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3/15/2003
22:55:02
| RE: Dakota and Dakota RT suspensions
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Message:
Dodge...different. Every automaker has their names for bodystyle. Chevy has Stepside, Ford has Flareside.
CC is Club Cab (extended cab), RC is Regular Cab.
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Barry
Dodge Dakota
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3/16/2003
19:18:51
| RE: Dakota and Dakota RT suspensions
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Message:
Goff,
Topcrow got the question answered. Anyway sounds like you got quite a project!!!
The Hotchkis is rear leafs, front springs, and swaybars. You can also get the bilstein shocks also. The bumpstops and all mounting hardware is included.
It made a world of difference in the handling of my CC. It is stiffer than stock no doubt but worth it. You are still going to have to get the upper/lower control arms and other mounting hardware off a dakota. If you interested in the Hotchkis to finish off your truck, stick with the '97 and newer dakota. I believe that '97 is the first year of the gen 3 dakota. You wouldn't need an RT for the doner, just a 2wd. Somebody else can jump in if I am mistaken.
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ShortSport
GenIII
3/16/2003
19:56:41
| RE: Dakota and Dakota RT suspensions
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Message:
your not mistaken
2002 Reg cab 4x2 4.7 5-spd 3.55.1 LSD
fiberglass tonneau cover; stainless steel cat-back dual exhaust; magnaflow muffler
Go hard or go home!!
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goff
Dodge Dakota
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3/17/2003
01:25:14
| RE: Dakota and Dakota RT suspensions
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Message:
Barry, Topcrow, Shortsport,
Thanks much. Have a much better Idea now
thanks to all of you..
The Dakota years you've mentioned all have
rack and pinion?
I've seen the Hotchkis parts on the net, which
of the sway bars is for the front? I gather then,
that with the Hotchkis kits, the RT factory
spring is the only thing different between that
and the regular Dakota, and the kit will provide
the new springs making the only thing needed
would be the control arms, spindle, etc. from
the donor Dakota? Does someone you know
of make drop spindles that compliment the
Hotchkis swap or are the lower springs all
thats needed?
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MikeD
*R/T*
3/17/2003
13:43:13
| RE: Dakota and Dakota RT suspensions
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Message:
Goff...I have my stock front coils & rear leaf springs off my R/T I am willing to sell.
$50 for the coils
$100 for the leafs
Sound good?
~Mike~
Get In...Sit Down...Shutup...& Hangon
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goff
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/17/2003
14:12:56
| RE: Dakota and Dakota RT suspensions
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Message:
Mike,
Thanks for the offer. Nice price! I'm not sure at
this point if I'll need the parts you're offering. I
plan to buy a front clip from a parts yard.
Would have to see what comes with it or
whats available. As far as the rear leafs, I'm
only using the IFS for my swap. Will keep your
offer on the coils in mind though.
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