Lowered the Old 1980 Dodge Truck [Archive]

GLHS592

04-11-2011, 08:50 PM

I am almost finished lowering my 1980 D150. My Chargers have been on the backburner. I used B-series van lower control arms in front and flipped the rear axle. The front dropped around 3" and the rear dropped around 6". The gap between the top of the tires and the bottom of the fender opening is the same front to back.

What do you think? Does it need to go down a little in front? I think that it appears slightly higher in front even though it is actually level

Sorry about the terrible pictures. I had to lighten them up a bit. It is raining right now and my camera doesn't take good pictures in my basement's low light. I'll take some better pictures when I get the chance. If you can get a good deal from Target Ad (https://www.weeklyads2.com/target/), never miss that.

Before:
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/1980Dodge_DSC00436.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/1980Dodge_DSC00435.jpg
After:
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/P4110063.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/P4110057.jpg

I also have a set of these to go on the truck. I just gotta get some tires.
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/1980Dodge_P9250110.jpg

JDAWG

04-11-2011, 08:57 PM

front almost always has a larger wheel opening cause the wheels turn, looks good, another 1.5" wouldnt hurt though

Clay

04-11-2011, 11:05 PM

so when you gonna lower it?

GLHS592

04-11-2011, 11:09 PM

so when you gonna lower it?

Huh? Are all 4 pictures showing up?

Clay

04-11-2011, 11:11 PM

lol, just giving you a little hell. Looks good though, great start anyway! :)

GLHS592

04-11-2011, 11:14 PM

Oh, I thought I might have some red X's showing up or something. It's low enough for me. I may cut the coils up front. Just looking at the truck, it appears that the front is higher than the rear even though they are dead even. Maybe it will be better when I get my new wheels and tires on it.

BadAssPerformance

04-11-2011, 11:26 PM

Looks good!

GLHS592

04-12-2011, 06:38 PM

Here are some better pictures. I'm sorry that the truck is a little dusty.
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/D150_DSC00693.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/D150_DSC00691.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/D150_DSC00690.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/D150_DSC00689.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/D150_DSC00686.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/D150_DSC00685.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/D150_DSC00684.jpg

Force Fed Mopar

04-12-2011, 07:10 PM

GLHS592

04-13-2011, 02:06 PM

Looks great! I need to drop all my trucks. BTW I have an '80 shortbed too, but mine has a stepside bed and a S6 4-spd OD. I'm the opposite of you, I've had the trucks on the backburner for a while so I could mess w/ the Daytona.

Got any pictures? Swap a 440 in!

The funny thing is I don't hate the "imitation street stars" as bad since I lowered it. I might could have lived with them a little longer. Oh well, I think the slot mags will make the truck look tons better.

I am going to finish up (paint shocks, weld spring perches to rear axle, tighten a couple bolts) Saturday and try to get it in the alignment shop on my day off next week.

Force Fed Mopar

04-13-2011, 03:47 PM

Got any pictures? Swap a 440 in!

The funny thing is I don't hate the "imitation street stars" as bad since I lowered it. I might could have lived with them a little longer. Oh well, I think the slot mags will make the truck look tons better.

I am going to finish up (paint shocks, weld spring perches to rear axle, tighten a couple bolts) Saturday and try to get it in the alignment shop on my day off next week.

I got some on my computer (on the shop computer now), I'll post them later. I do actually have a 440 in the corner of my shop :) But it's slated to go in my Coronet, unless I sell it or get a 68 Charger ;) My plan for the '80 is to turbo and EFI the S6 :D

PunKid

04-13-2011, 05:24 PM

Looks great! I need to drop all my trucks. BTW I have an '80 shortbed too, but mine has a stepside bed and a S6 4-spd OD. I'm the opposite of you, I've had the trucks on the backburner for a while so I could mess w/ the Daytona.

Yup same here. 72 D100 with a 440 and 4-speed. Its on time out until gas prices come back down or I make some more MONEY!

GLHS592

04-13-2011, 06:37 PM

Yup same here. 72 D100 with a 440 and 4-speed. Its on time out until gas prices come back down or I make some more MONEY!

We need pics of your's too. :)

Force Fed Mopar

04-13-2011, 07:56 PM

Well I'll have to get some new pics, I don't have what I thought I did :( I'll take a couple of my other trucks too. I have a '93 5.2 5-spd shortbed and a '72 D100 longbed also. 318 and 5-spd swap in the '72 also.

PunKid

04-14-2011, 07:19 AM

This is when I first got it

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r1/Harkins_Vehicles/72%20Dodge%20D100/RFside.jpg

This picture is at new england dragway a couple years ago. I only lowered the front at this point using 1 ton control arms (approximent 3" drop) later I dropped the rear using chevy lift shackels and raised the front 1" with a spring Isolater, it was just too low for New england roads.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r1/Harkins_Vehicles/72%20Dodge%20D100/100_0159.jpg

the final ride height I think was a 2" drop in the front and a 3" in the rear I think.
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r1/Harkins_Vehicles/72%20Dodge%20D100/100_1331.jpg
The 440 (at the time it had a 727)
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r1/Harkins_Vehicles/72%20Dodge%20D100/100_0148.jpg

I love to paint engine parts, absolutly hate painting body panel haha.

Force Fed Mopar

04-14-2011, 09:11 AM

Looks cool!

Here a couple pics of my '72, before I tore it apart last time:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/ForceFedMopar/Project%20Super%20D/DSCF2170.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b331/ForceFedMopar/Project%20Super%20D/IM002620.jpg

glhs875

04-14-2011, 09:11 AM

I like it!!! Looks great!!! I've been thinking about lowering my Daytona Ram some!

GLHS592

04-14-2011, 11:30 AM

I like it!!! Looks great!!! I've been thinking about lowering my Daytona Ram some!

Do it. The later model trucks look good lowered too.
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1998%20Dodge%20Ram%20SST/SST_DSC00394.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1998%20Dodge%20Ram%20SST/DSC00643.jpg

GLHS592

04-14-2011, 07:17 PM

I put some better pictures in the post above. I bolted the rear shocks on and took it for a drive around the block. The right front has settled down a little, so I won't be cutting any coil springs. I'm satisfied with the stance. I'm going to make sure all the bolts are tightened, weld the spring perches to the rear axle, and try to get the front end aligned next week.

Force Fed Mopar

04-14-2011, 10:29 PM

What shocks are you running?

GLHS592

04-14-2011, 11:27 PM

I am still using the ones that were on the truck. There was no brand name or stamping on them. The fronts are not compressed any more than they were because of the pocketed lower control arms. The rears are probably compressed around 3"-4" more. I put the lower shock mounting plates under the leaf springs. They were under the axle.

GLHS592

04-18-2011, 01:09 PM

Here is a before and after comparison photo.
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/D150_Before_After.jpg

Turbo3Iroc

04-18-2011, 01:33 PM

That's sitting nice now.

Subliminal

04-18-2011, 01:48 PM

That looks real nice!

Clay

04-18-2011, 04:31 PM

Very nice!!!

GLHS592

04-18-2011, 06:27 PM

Now, I gotta fix the old Dodge lean. The right front wheel has a little more gap than the left side. I am going to take the spring out and cut it I guess. It will drive me crazy if I don't fix it.

Force Fed Mopar

04-18-2011, 06:29 PM

Put a new spring in there. They sag after so many years. Or maybe get a good used pass side one ;)

GLHS592

04-18-2011, 08:20 PM

The springs are both fairly new. Evidently, the Dodge lean is a very common problem.

54inches

04-18-2011, 08:35 PM

Here is a before and after comparison photo.
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/D150_Before_After.jpg

That looks great!!!!!! LOVE street stars!

GLHS592

04-19-2011, 06:53 PM

That looks great!!!!!! LOVE street stars!

They can be yours! :)

54inches

04-21-2011, 02:33 PM

I don't have anything to put them on. lol What is the pattern?

JDAWG

04-21-2011, 03:06 PM

could just be the way the spring is seated, try turning it around to the other side

Clay

04-21-2011, 03:09 PM

I don't have anything to put them on. lol What is the pattern?

5 x 4.5" unless kevin has changed something out

54inches

04-21-2011, 05:22 PM

I got nothing! :D

Force Fed Mopar

04-21-2011, 05:36 PM

I got nothing! :D

You could convert the Rampage to 5x4.5 ;)

GLHS592

04-21-2011, 07:05 PM

could just be the way the spring is seated, try turning it around to the other side

I made sure the springs were seated. I checked them again. These trucks just naturally lean to the left due to all the "stuff" on that side. My 1990 dually had the same lean.

5 x 4.5" unless kevin has changed something out

Yeah, they are 5 x 4.5". I think they changed to 5 x 5.5" in 1985.

Force Fed Mopar

04-21-2011, 07:55 PM

My '93 has the good ol' Dodge gangsta lean too :)

GLHS592

04-23-2011, 02:05 PM

I ended up cutting just over a half coil off the passenger side coil spring. It is still about 3/16th of an inch higher on that side, but it isn't noticeable just looking at it. The driver's side dropped just a tad too. Now, the stance is perfect!

Redpig

05-15-2011, 10:33 AM

What shocks are you running?

I am getting ready to do this to my 82 and was wondering how it will wear on my tires and if I will be able to get a alignment done afterwards. Thanks

coronet2fast

05-15-2011, 04:34 PM

That is one nice truck you have and it looks good lowered.

GLHS592

05-15-2011, 08:49 PM

I am getting ready to do this to my 82 and was wondering how it will wear on my tires and if I will be able to get a alignment done afterwards. Thanks

I haven't gotten an alignment done yet. Judging by the toe in and negative camber my truck has right now, I'd say it would severely wear my tires. I don't know why you couldn't get it aligned correctly.

That is one nice truck you have and it looks good lowered.

Thanks. I think it completely changed the look of the truck.

glhs0426

05-15-2011, 10:17 PM

When you go to get an alignment do NOT use the stock specs. Dial in as much caster as possible. You may be able to get 2.5* caster which will greatly improve directional stability. Run the camber right at the edge of the stock spec .5* Dial in a slight amount of toe in (.1-.15). The toe changes on these trucks due to the strut rod bushings. It allows the lower ball joint to move slightly to the rear while in motion. This movement pulls the toe out. The strut rod movement also allows a slight amount more caster, but not much. My 275/60R15's have 30k and don't wear unevenly.

If you are a reader of Mopar Action magazine, there has been a great tech series for a 1st gen Dakota. The 1st gen Dakota shares a lot of the D series suspension design. I've been thinking of converting my D series to the Dakota rack and pinion steering since the steering arms are a direct swap and will give the correct Ackerman when changing to a rack and pinion.

Johnny

05-15-2011, 10:21 PM

I LIKE it!!!

GLHS592

05-21-2011, 11:46 AM

Let me tell you how lazy I've been lately. I knew the four barrel wasn't opening up completely or at all. I fiddled with the carburetor linkage and now it has a four barrel. I don't have to tell you how much better the truck runs. How long have I owned this truck? :)

I washed it and took some better pictures. I can't find my absorber, so you'll have to live with the water droplets.
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/P5210016.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/P5210020.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/P5210018.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/P5210017.jpg
Next: Front end alignment and drive it.

Vigo

05-22-2011, 10:11 PM

I really like the last pic..

glhs0426

05-22-2011, 10:17 PM

Man, I have to do an axle flip on mine. That is just awesome looking. Of course, the 1st gen body is better looking than my '85 will ever be.

GLHS592

05-22-2011, 11:22 PM

I really like the last pic..

I do too. Sometimes, I accidentally take a great picture. :)

Man, I have to do an axle flip on mine. That is just awesome looking. Of course, the 1st gen body is better looking than my '85 will ever be.

The rear axle flip and van lower control arms up front is the perfect way to drop one of these trucks.

JDAWG

05-22-2011, 11:35 PM

looks sweet dude, I like. Would look nice with some 20" Boyds or something polished aluminum and some tires with about 2" of sidewall, nothing bigger than 20s though.

GLHS592

05-22-2011, 11:39 PM

looks sweet dude, I like. Would look nice with some 20" Boyds or something polished aluminum and some tires with about 2" of sidewall, nothing bigger than 20s though.

Thanks. I am getting rid of the fake street stars. I have already bought these in 17"x8".
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/1980Dodge_P9250110.jpg

JDAWG

05-22-2011, 11:54 PM

just say F it and put a notch in the back and throw some bags on there, a basic system is all you need, you could put one together for $600 I bet

GLHS592

05-30-2011, 10:32 AM

Some of you may think my latest modification is cheesy. Chrysler used the pentastar fender emblems on their cars from 1964 to around 1973. I'm going for a muscle car vibe with the truck, so I thought it would be cool. I kinda just eyeballed it on, but used my magnetic level to make sure it is level.
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/P5300015.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/P5300008.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/P5300003.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/P5300004.jpg
Here is an interior shot just because.
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/P5300016.jpg

Force Fed Mopar

05-30-2011, 11:52 AM

I like it! My Coronet has it too. Did you ever notice that they only put them on the pass side?

Turbo3Iroc

05-30-2011, 12:04 PM

I like it too.

GLHS592

05-30-2011, 12:30 PM

I like it! My Coronet has it too. Did you ever notice that they only put them on the pass side?

Yes. I've been told that they put them on the passenger side because that is the side you'd see from the sidewalk when a Mopar was parallel parked.

GLHS592

06-20-2011, 06:27 PM

I got something new and had to share. It is NOS.
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/D150_DSC00777.jpg
Before:
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/1980Dodge_P8160016.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/1980Dodge_P8150008.jpg
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/1980Dodge_P8150006.jpg
I pulled the warped fake woodgrain off and improved it a little.
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/D150_P5300017.jpg
After:
http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq42/GLHS592/1980%20Dodge%20D-150/D150_DSC00783.jpg
I still gotta put the screws in. I'm not going to cut the radio hole and the aftermarket gauges are not going back in. The radio is going in a speaker box behind the seat.