RE: Front struts options for the Dakota
Login  | |
|
RE: Front struts options for the Dakota - 2/14/2008 6:52:03 PM
|
|
|
djsilver
Posts: 81
Joined: 1/12/2008
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: VA Dakota
A couple of questions: 
1. Someone mentioned the 2006 Ram 1500 was 500 lbs heavier,
was that total weight or weight on the front suspension?
2. These front end lift/spacers (2" - 2 1/2") sold, aren't they
also listed for the Ram 1500 4x4?
3. Lowering the lower control arms????? Is anybody doing this when they add the lift kit ????
What I'm trying to determine is that, using the 2006 Ram 1500 4x4
strut and springs would/should fit the Dakota, the bottom of the strut is the same
and I believe the top/bolt pattern is also the same, as the lift spacers fit the Ram and Dakota.
According to the OEM parts manual the Dakota and the 2006 Ram 1500 4x4 use the same:
55366386AA -gromment, 52013672AA-collar, 55366975AA- isolator(spring seat),
55366387AA -isolator(spring),06506276AA-nut (M12x1.75)
But, it would be too costly to buy 2 complete strut and spring assemblies just to try out.... 
The Dakota and the Raider are built at the Warren Truck Plant and the Durango is built elsewhere???
1. That was me and I was referring to total weight differences. Looking at various references the Dakotas are listed in the 43-4400lb range and the Ram 1500's are listed in the 48-4900lb range. The Dakota is roughly 53%/47% Front to rear.
2. I'll take your word for it.
3. Don't know. I'm not looking to lift my truck. The upper end of the spring may be the same diameter but the Dakota spring is reduced at the lower end and won't fit over the Ram shock. The Ram spring is probably the same at both ends. The parts you list may crossover with the exception of the nut. The Dakota was 12x1.25mm and the Ram strut is 12x1.5 or 1.75mm. If you're certain the Ram and Dakota use the same upper spring seat then you could certainly use a Ram strut and spring and be pretty close to a 2" lift and a somewhat stiffer suspension, with no other changes.
I don't know where any of the trucks are built but the Durango suspension is designed differently from the Dakota or the Ram.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Front struts options for the Dakota - 2/16/2008 5:06:40 PM
|
|
|
rookie
Posts: 317
Joined: 3/23/2007
Status: offline
|
just wanna say great work so far! if there 's a will there's a way. I think if we can come up with some front suspension options we will make a lot of people happy
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Front struts options for the Dakota - 2/16/2008 5:10:25 PM
|
|
|
rookie
Posts: 317
Joined: 3/23/2007
Status: offline
|
so have we cofirmed that both ends of the strut will fit on the truck?
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Front struts options for the Dakota - 2/16/2008 5:40:04 PM
|
|
|
djsilver
Posts: 81
Joined: 1/12/2008
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: rookie
so have we cofirmed that both ends of the strut will fit on the truck?
Both ends of the Ram shock will fit but there's two problems;
1. The Dak spring won't fit over the Ram shock so you'll need to either turn the spring upside down (for stock height ride) or use a Ram spring (for a yet-to-be determined amount of lift and slightly firmer ride).
2. The Ram shock is about 1-1/2" longer so you have less compression travel available if you keep stock ride height.
I'm in the early stages of designing a "top hat" and sleeve that'll move the bumper above the strut tower to allow stock ride height while maintaining full compression travel. I'll post the info when it's ready!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Front struts options for the Dakota - 2/16/2008 6:23:31 PM
|
|
|
Altair
Posts: 4458
Joined: 3/10/2007
Status: offline
|
So in theory if we could find aftermarket struts and springs for lowering an 06+ Ram we could use those to keep stock height or even go lower couldn't we?
_____________________________
quote:
ORIGINAL: batman13
i liked the first clinton,
he shot from below the belt.....
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Front struts options for the Dakota - 2/16/2008 8:29:49 PM
|
|
|
Hunterdude
Posts: 43
Joined: 6/1/2007
Status: offline
|
This might be a good option for lifting our trucks. Might a lift kit for a Ram be modified to fit? I wonder if we might run into problems with our axles being too short/binding excessively? Perhaps customs axles with CV joints with a greater range of motion might allow for a greater lift.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Front struts options for the Dakota - 2/17/2008 2:11:08 PM
|
|
|
studlyblueiz
Posts: 160
Joined: 9/30/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Altair
So in theory if we could find aftermarket struts and springs for lowering an 06+ Ram we could use those to keep stock height or even go lower couldn't we?
Yes
_____________________________
-Robert
79' CJ 7-Too much to list & not the right forum ;)
2006 Dakota SLT- HO 4.7 V8, 4x4
Mods: K&N CAI, Flowmaster 40's, Taurus Efan w/SPAL controller
Disappointing news: held off on Fastman TB for a set of 1ton axles for my jeep!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Front struts options for the Dakota - 2/17/2008 2:14:15 PM
|
|
|
studlyblueiz
Posts: 160
Joined: 9/30/2006
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Hunterdude
This might be a good option for lifting our trucks. Might a lift kit for a Ram be modified to fit? I wonder if we might run into problems with our axles being too short/binding excessively? Perhaps customs axles with CV joints with a greater range of motion might allow for a greater lift.
That's where I was headed with it. I emailed Rancho weeks ago about buying their front diff lowering kit for the older gen Daks. No response. The cust serv sux. I've also been lookin for used lifts that were takin off a dakota but I havent found any yet either.
_____________________________
-Robert
79' CJ 7-Too much to list & not the right forum ;)
2006 Dakota SLT- HO 4.7 V8, 4x4
Mods: K&N CAI, Flowmaster 40's, Taurus Efan w/SPAL controller
Disappointing news: held off on Fastman TB for a set of 1ton axles for my jeep!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Front struts options for the Dakota - 2/20/2008 10:26:34 AM
|
|
|
rookie
Posts: 317
Joined: 3/23/2007
Status: offline
|
I'm ready to try stock ram struts+tm leveler and limiting straps, if necessary.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Front struts options for the Dakota - 2/20/2008 12:33:21 PM
|
|
|
lghtngblt02
Posts: 878
Joined: 1/4/2008
From: Mechanicsburg, Pa
Status: offline
|
I am going to be another spectator on the sidelines, and root for the progress! You guys seem to be making a possible break through Good Deal 
_____________________________
07 Dodge Dakota Club Cab Laramie 4x4, 4.7L V8 Magnum
93 Dodge Dakota Club Cab LE 2x4, 3.9L V6 Magnum
00' Ford Focus LX Sedan, 2.0L SPI
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Front struts options for the Dakota - 2/21/2008 3:25:07 AM
|
|
|
rookie
Posts: 317
Joined: 3/23/2007
Status: offline
|
assuming that the spring is not gigantic, it will fit. Being 4x2, what could it hurt? I'm 4x4 but eff it try it under warranty and change it back to stock if cvs bind
|
|
|
|
|
Printable Version
