Lowered the Old 1980 Dodge Truck

[GLHS592]

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]

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]

I LIKE it!!!

[GLHS592]

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.




Next: Front end alignment and drive it.

[Vigo]

I really like the last pic..

[glhs0426]

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]

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]

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]

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".

[JDAWG]

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]

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.




Here is an interior shot just because.

[Force Fed Mopar]

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

[Turbo3Iroc]

I like it too.

[GLHS592]

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]

I got something new and had to share. It is NOS.

Before:



I pulled the warped fake woodgrain off and improved it a little.

After:

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.

[moparman76_69]

I think I asked you before but are you selling the old wheels?

[GLHS592]

I think I asked you before but are you selling the old wheels?

I'm trading them for some big block parts. A guy has a 400 block/440 crank I've been looking for.

[project farm truck]

where did u get ur kit i wanna lower my 1980 dodge d150 lb pickup

[GLHS592]

It isn't a kit. I used the lower control arms from a 1984 Dodge B-350 van and flipped the axle in the rear. Here is a link to my write up. http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/...fpart=all&vc=1