delosh
07-05-2004, 08:50 PM
Hello all,
I have a supercharged 2000 Durango 4x4. My latest mod was lowering it 2 inches. I installed a DJM block kit in the rear and loosened the torsion bars in the front. As needed, to offset the shorter suspension travel, I cut the bump stops down - 2 inches off in rear and cut the fronts in half. I replaced my worn Edelbrock IAS shocks with new Bilsteins (2wd models in rear - shorter).
Now, my quest is to restore the ride quality. I am looking for creative and intelligent solutions. If your suggestions are to raise it back up or ask "why would you lower a 4x4", please keep them to yourself :) .
There are 2 issues.
The first problem is suspension travel. It bottoms out pretty hard (with a loud clank) on occasion. More often on short jolts at high speeds. My opinion is that my shorter bump stops are compressing enough to allow the rear axle (or control arm in the front) to come in contact with the metal cups that hold the bump stops. If I added a 2 inch block in the rear, and compensated by cutting 2 inches off the bump stop, why does it (the rear) bottom out easier now? Should I remove the bump stops and replace them with a different style (thus eliminating the metal cup)? Could something else be making the contact?
The second problem is the weak spring rate in the front. Since I have removed some spring from the front - now I need to add some back while retaining the lowered height. One solution would be new torsion bars that have different mechanical qualities (stiffer). I have seen torsion bars that lift vehicles - I just need the opposite. The more likely solution is adjustable coil over shocks in the front. To do this, I would need to replace the upper control arms with thin tubular ones to allow room for the coil springs. I just need to know what arms and what coil overs. I would like to find a way to add coils to my new Bilsteins, rather than replace them. I found some kits for Bilsteins but not sure if they work with my models (http://www.stockcarproducts.com/coilovr1.htm). I think if I could get an adjustable coil system installed, I would be able to add just enough spring to make it right.
If you are knowledgable with custom suspensions, please chime in and see if we can finally develop a nice 2" drop for a 4wd. :help:
Thanks!
Daren Elosh
2k Supercharged 4.7L 4x4 Platinum Durango
I have a supercharged 2000 Durango 4x4. My latest mod was lowering it 2 inches. I installed a DJM block kit in the rear and loosened the torsion bars in the front. As needed, to offset the shorter suspension travel, I cut the bump stops down - 2 inches off in rear and cut the fronts in half. I replaced my worn Edelbrock IAS shocks with new Bilsteins (2wd models in rear - shorter).
Now, my quest is to restore the ride quality. I am looking for creative and intelligent solutions. If your suggestions are to raise it back up or ask "why would you lower a 4x4", please keep them to yourself :) .
There are 2 issues.
The first problem is suspension travel. It bottoms out pretty hard (with a loud clank) on occasion. More often on short jolts at high speeds. My opinion is that my shorter bump stops are compressing enough to allow the rear axle (or control arm in the front) to come in contact with the metal cups that hold the bump stops. If I added a 2 inch block in the rear, and compensated by cutting 2 inches off the bump stop, why does it (the rear) bottom out easier now? Should I remove the bump stops and replace them with a different style (thus eliminating the metal cup)? Could something else be making the contact?
The second problem is the weak spring rate in the front. Since I have removed some spring from the front - now I need to add some back while retaining the lowered height. One solution would be new torsion bars that have different mechanical qualities (stiffer). I have seen torsion bars that lift vehicles - I just need the opposite. The more likely solution is adjustable coil over shocks in the front. To do this, I would need to replace the upper control arms with thin tubular ones to allow room for the coil springs. I just need to know what arms and what coil overs. I would like to find a way to add coils to my new Bilsteins, rather than replace them. I found some kits for Bilsteins but not sure if they work with my models (http://www.stockcarproducts.com/coilovr1.htm). I think if I could get an adjustable coil system installed, I would be able to add just enough spring to make it right.
If you are knowledgable with custom suspensions, please chime in and see if we can finally develop a nice 2" drop for a 4wd. :help:
Thanks!
Daren Elosh
2k Supercharged 4.7L 4x4 Platinum Durango