any one running dodge Dakota springs

crewcab rabbit · 11-19-2009, 06:48 PM

i wanted to see if any one had any insight about running dodge Dakota spring in the front sfa. right now iam running 3/4 ton chevy 56s with the over load removed ,flex great , but i need to move my axle forward and the chevy springs are a little soft. found out the dodge spring will move it forward close to 3" but iam not sure if i would need to add leafs to them or not? i picked up a set of 94 Dakota spring form a v8 an found that there rated either 1850 or 2650, so dose any one have any info or are running them now?? thanks

chattinfarms · 11-19-2009, 07:49 PM

if i remember right donahue runs either dakota or f150 springs cant remember which. why wouldnt you just add a leaf and redrill yourself a new whole seems to work good from what ive read. but correct me if im wrong somebody

BillaksBlazer · 11-19-2009, 08:34 PM

redrilling a spring pack shortend the life of the spring tremendously. one overflex and you can break the spring and then your stuck.

chattinfarms · 11-19-2009, 09:51 PM

didnt the guy that has the s-ton redrill his springs and it seems to be doing ok just a thought

chattinfarms · 11-19-2009, 09:52 PM

by the way it was chevtech who did that

DieselS10 · 11-19-2009, 11:50 PM

Would the Durango springs offer another spring rate option also?

tfpets · 11-20-2009, 12:06 AM

My brother is running dakota leafs('94 v6 2wd i think)...of the 3 that we have built, I like them the best...I tried the f150s on my wifes rig and they work well but they just dont feel as nice as the dakotas...Not sure of the different spring rates and such but the ones that he has work well...

crewcab rabbit · 11-20-2009, 12:53 AM

thanks for the info i did your brother have to add any leafs, ya i really don't like the idea of re-drilling the center pins.

michevyfreak · 11-20-2009, 12:56 AM

not trying to get off-topic but what is the purpose of moving the front axle forward besides a better approach angle?

crewcab rabbit · 11-20-2009, 12:59 AM

get out of the firewall/ easier to fit larger tires and approach angle

michevyfreak · 11-20-2009, 01:17 AM

ok thanks

how much forward do the Dakota spring move the axle from stock?

crewcab rabbit · 11-20-2009, 02:48 AM

well the pins are off set 24 /32 some were around 3-4 inch all kinda depends on where you have your hanger mounted, should move my axle forward 3" from my current set up. http://www.s10extremist.org/forums/v...01a3e&start=60

BillaksBlazer · 11-20-2009, 09:40 AM

i also remember that the dakotas were recomended when the stage west kit was out.

tfpets · 11-20-2009, 02:17 PM

His springs are 100% stock...they are straight off of the dakota and onto his rig...

crewcab rabbit · 11-20-2009, 02:25 PM

have you drove his truck at any speed in to a corner my truck right now divers hard but then gets firm, iam hoping the dodge spring will firm my truck up. also do they have any arch to them on the truck are they flat? thanks again.

tfpets · 11-20-2009, 07:11 PM

His actually drives like a dream...he has a yj sway bar on it with disconnects and the adjustable rancho shocks...he lives in sacramento and needs it to be more stable when running with traffic at 80+ mph...when it is on the road he runs it with the shocks all of the way up...I live in the mountains and it is a very windy road and I can run it at 65+ in the corners no problem...in my truck and my wifes blazer we have to be a little more careful because of standard rancho shocks and no sway bar...ours will dive and lean alot more than his...the springs do hold a good arch with full weight on them...I will try to find a pic of it on flat ground.

tfpets · 11-20-2009, 07:20 PM

This is the best I have with full weight on the springs...This blazer was destroyed 3 days after this picture by a drunk driver but it is the same front axle and springs that are under the blue/white one...

crewcab rabbit · 11-20-2009, 11:16 PM

well i stated to swap over to the dodge springs today i removed the over load and added the 4th leaf from a chevy 63 leaf pack , and trimmed off 4 3/4 off one side of the leaf i added to keep it in proportion. haven't got to drive it yet but it looks like it move the axle right where i wanted it to and the front end of my truck fills firmer, should no more tomorrow, i looks like it lower my truck 2" form where it was before which is fine with me , now i can pull my 2" blocks out of the rear and be good to go hopefully.

crewcab rabbit · 02-09-2010, 02:33 PM

hears a video for any one wondering how well the dodge dakota springs work
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnI6TSTDOpE

Kucharyski20 · 02-09-2010, 04:07 PM

crewcab, your truck is amazing hahaha. i just watched that video.

crewcab rabbit · 02-09-2010, 05:52 PM

hey and now when some one gives you crap about the thornbirds you will know diffrent.

crewcab rabbit · 02-11-2010, 03:28 PM

http://www.generalspringkc.com/index...arent=117&pg=1 24x32

runn1up2001 · 02-11-2010, 08:37 PM

nice vid... what r u running for exhaust? i like it

BillaksBlazer · 02-11-2010, 08:58 PM

sounds like a flowmaster

crewcab rabbit · 02-11-2010, 09:32 PM

yep its a flowmaster 3" dual 2.5 out cant wate for the l31 swap then its going to sound really good

runn1up2001 · 02-12-2010, 07:38 PM

sounds good... may do that to mine.

crewcab rabbit · 02-12-2010, 07:58 PM

if i where to do it agian with the 4.3 i would do it the same but run the dual pipes in 2" not the 2.5, help keep the low TQ oh and it the orginal 40 seires flowmaster

runn1up2001 · 02-14-2010, 08:59 PM

ok thanks. hey did u ever get the info about your rear spring pack. just checking didnt know if you may of posted it somewhere else and i over looked it.

crewcab rabbit · 02-14-2010, 09:40 PM

oh ya forgot i took the main leaf and cut it 4" shorter then the stock 3rd leaf then added a s10 2nd leaf cut it 4" shorter then the previouse, and removed the over load.

runn1up2001 · 02-15-2010, 08:59 PM

ok thanks... im gonna have to stiffen mine up some. its i lil soft in the corners at highway speeds. as for the dakota springs they are longer than the 44044s im runnin right? so if i wanted to run them i would have to move my crossmember?

crewcab rabbit · 02-15-2010, 09:39 PM

ya there a lot longer then your so you would have to move you rear shackles back in the frame a lot just stay with what you have in the front you payed good money for them

runn1up2001 · 02-16-2010, 09:01 PM

ok will do... il just try what u did in the rear... thanks. nice vids on youtube by the way

crewcab rabbit · 02-17-2010, 04:23 PM

and this is where the shackles mount with the dakota springs its not done but pics give you a good idea what you working with

96superflow · 02-18-2010, 06:53 AM

Nice setup rabbit.

runn1up2001 · 02-19-2010, 09:26 PM

so if i looked at the pics right you left the top 3 springs alone correct? took the overload out and added 2 more 4" shorter than the previous?

crewcab rabbit · 02-19-2010, 11:09 PM

yep thats what i did

runn1up2001 · 03-01-2010, 09:06 PM

hey rabbit which lockers are u runnin? iv read some reviews and some of them say that certain ones will click going around turns or lock/engage when makin a turn on pavement. i was reading up on the eaton lsd since i dont do much offroading. anybody have any suggestions? im still runnin the s10 rearend.

11-19-2009, 06:48 PM	#1
crewcab rabbit Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 390 Location: User is: OffLine	any one running dodge Dakota springs i wanted to see if any one had any insight about running dodge Dakota spring in the front sfa. right now iam running 3/4 ton chevy 56s with the over load removed ,flex great , but i need to move my axle forward and the chevy springs are a little soft. found out the dodge spring will move it forward close to 3" but iam not sure if i would need to add leafs to them or not? i picked up a set of 94 Dakota spring form a v8 an found that there rated either 1850 or 2650, so dose any one have any info or are running them now?? thanks
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-19-2009, 07:49 PM	#2
chattinfarms 6" from hell Age: 27 Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 125 Location: vincennes,In User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs if i remember right donahue runs either dakota or f150 springs cant remember which. why wouldnt you just add a leaf and redrill yourself a new whole seems to work good from what ive read. but correct me if im wrong somebody
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-19-2009, 08:34 PM	#3
BillaksBlazer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 838 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs redrilling a spring pack shortend the life of the spring tremendously. one overflex and you can break the spring and then your stuck.
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11-19-2009, 09:51 PM	#4
chattinfarms 6" from hell Age: 27 Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 125 Location: vincennes,In User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs didnt the guy that has the s-ton redrill his springs and it seems to be doing ok just a thought
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11-19-2009, 09:52 PM	#5
chattinfarms 6" from hell Age: 27 Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 125 Location: vincennes,In User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs by the way it was chevtech who did that
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11-19-2009, 11:50 PM	#6
DieselS10 Slightly Over Built Age: 36 Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,615 Location: Chelsea, OK User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs Would the Durango springs offer another spring rate option also?
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11-20-2009, 12:06 AM	#7
tfpets 2UP1DOWN Age: 32 Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 686 Location: Northern California User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs My brother is running dakota leafs('94 v6 2wd i think)...of the 3 that we have built, I like them the best...I tried the f150s on my wifes rig and they work well but they just dont feel as nice as the dakotas...Not sure of the different spring rates and such but the ones that he has work well...
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11-20-2009, 12:53 AM	#8
crewcab rabbit Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 390 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs thanks for the info i did your brother have to add any leafs, ya i really don't like the idea of re-drilling the center pins.
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11-20-2009, 12:56 AM	#9
michevyfreak Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 12 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs not trying to get off-topic but what is the purpose of moving the front axle forward besides a better approach angle?
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11-20-2009, 12:59 AM	#10
crewcab rabbit Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 390 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs get out of the firewall/ easier to fit larger tires and approach angle
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11-20-2009, 01:17 AM	#11
michevyfreak Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 12 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs ok thanks how much forward do the Dakota spring move the axle from stock? Last edited by michevyfreak : 11-20-2009 at 01:19 AM.
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11-20-2009, 02:48 AM	#12
crewcab rabbit Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 390 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs well the pins are off set 24 /32 some were around 3-4 inch all kinda depends on where you have your hanger mounted, should move my axle forward 3" from my current set up. http://www.s10extremist.org/forums/v...01a3e&start=60
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-20-2009, 09:40 AM	#13
BillaksBlazer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 838 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs i also remember that the dakotas were recomended when the stage west kit was out.
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11-20-2009, 02:17 PM	#14
tfpets 2UP1DOWN Age: 32 Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 686 Location: Northern California User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs His springs are 100% stock...they are straight off of the dakota and onto his rig...
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11-20-2009, 02:25 PM	#15
crewcab rabbit Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 390 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs have you drove his truck at any speed in to a corner my truck right now divers hard but then gets firm, iam hoping the dodge spring will firm my truck up. also do they have any arch to them on the truck are they flat? thanks again.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-20-2009, 07:11 PM	#16
tfpets 2UP1DOWN Age: 32 Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 686 Location: Northern California User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs His actually drives like a dream...he has a yj sway bar on it with disconnects and the adjustable rancho shocks...he lives in sacramento and needs it to be more stable when running with traffic at 80+ mph...when it is on the road he runs it with the shocks all of the way up...I live in the mountains and it is a very windy road and I can run it at 65+ in the corners no problem...in my truck and my wifes blazer we have to be a little more careful because of standard rancho shocks and no sway bar...ours will dive and lean alot more than his...the springs do hold a good arch with full weight on them...I will try to find a pic of it on flat ground.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-20-2009, 07:20 PM	#17
tfpets 2UP1DOWN Age: 32 Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 686 Location: Northern California User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs This is the best I have with full weight on the springs...This blazer was destroyed 3 days after this picture by a drunk driver but it is the same front axle and springs that are under the blue/white one...
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-20-2009, 11:16 PM	#18
crewcab rabbit Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 390 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs well i stated to swap over to the dodge springs today i removed the over load and added the 4th leaf from a chevy 63 leaf pack , and trimmed off 4 3/4 off one side of the leaf i added to keep it in proportion. haven't got to drive it yet but it looks like it move the axle right where i wanted it to and the front end of my truck fills firmer, should no more tomorrow, i looks like it lower my truck 2" form where it was before which is fine with me , now i can pull my 2" blocks out of the rear and be good to go hopefully.
	[Reply w/Quote]

02-09-2010, 02:33 PM	#19
crewcab rabbit Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 390 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs hears a video for any one wondering how well the dodge dakota springs work http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnI6TSTDOpE
	[Reply w/Quote]

02-09-2010, 04:07 PM	#20
Kucharyski20 Registered User Age: 29 Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 197 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs crewcab, your truck is amazing hahaha. i just watched that video.
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02-09-2010, 05:52 PM	#21
crewcab rabbit Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 390 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs hey and now when some one gives you crap about the thornbirds you will know diffrent.
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02-11-2010, 03:28 PM	#22
crewcab rabbit Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 390 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs http://www.generalspringkc.com/index...arent=117&pg=1 24x32
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02-11-2010, 08:37 PM	#23
runn1up2001 Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 39 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs nice vid... what r u running for exhaust? i like it
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02-11-2010, 08:58 PM	#24
BillaksBlazer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 838 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs sounds like a flowmaster
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02-11-2010, 09:32 PM	#25
crewcab rabbit Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 390 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs yep its a flowmaster 3" dual 2.5 out cant wate for the l31 swap then its going to sound really good
	[Reply w/Quote]

02-12-2010, 07:38 PM	#26
runn1up2001 Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 39 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs sounds good... may do that to mine.
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02-12-2010, 07:58 PM	#27
crewcab rabbit Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 390 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs if i where to do it agian with the 4.3 i would do it the same but run the dual pipes in 2" not the 2.5, help keep the low TQ oh and it the orginal 40 seires flowmaster
	[Reply w/Quote]

02-14-2010, 08:59 PM	#28
runn1up2001 Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 39 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs ok thanks. hey did u ever get the info about your rear spring pack. just checking didnt know if you may of posted it somewhere else and i over looked it.
	[Reply w/Quote]

02-15-2010, 08:59 PM	#30
runn1up2001 Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 39 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs ok thanks... im gonna have to stiffen mine up some. its i lil soft in the corners at highway speeds. as for the dakota springs they are longer than the 44044s im runnin right? so if i wanted to run them i would have to move my crossmember?
	[Reply w/Quote]

02-15-2010, 09:39 PM	#31
crewcab rabbit Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 390 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs ya there a lot longer then your so you would have to move you rear shackles back in the frame a lot just stay with what you have in the front you payed good money for them
	[Reply w/Quote]

02-16-2010, 09:01 PM	#32
runn1up2001 Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 39 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs ok will do... il just try what u did in the rear... thanks. nice vids on youtube by the way
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02-18-2010, 06:53 AM	#34
96superflow Registered User Age: 21 Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,363 Location: Moyock/Greenville, NC User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs Nice setup rabbit.
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02-19-2010, 09:26 PM	#35
runn1up2001 Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 39 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs so if i looked at the pics right you left the top 3 springs alone correct? took the overload out and added 2 more 4" shorter than the previous?
	[Reply w/Quote]

02-19-2010, 11:09 PM	#36
crewcab rabbit Registered User Age: 22 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 390 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs yep thats what i did
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03-01-2010, 09:06 PM	#37
runn1up2001 Registered User Age: 28 Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 39 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: any one running dodge Dakota springs hey rabbit which lockers are u runnin? iv read some reviews and some of them say that certain ones will click going around turns or lock/engage when makin a turn on pavement. i was reading up on the eaton lsd since i dont do much offroading. anybody have any suggestions? im still runnin the s10 rearend.
	[Reply w/Quote]