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110 Posts
I got to thinking. I own a 99 Dakota cab plus, wheel base is 131"
So, How much problem when 4-wheelin is TOO much wheelbase?
As it is, my new suspension would be like 35" from ground up to bottom of frame. That's pretty high, but needs to be that to keep the tires from rubbing on the back of the front fender wells while flexing.
So, I got to thinking...I could cut the front of the fender/bumber with no problem, as nothing is in the way there. This would be awesome for my approach angle and would make it so the ground to bottom of frame rail at only like 26-29". Lower center of gravity would be a big plus.
I can't cut the rear part of the fender well, as it would end up cutting into the door and cutting off the body mounts. So that's not really an option.
Doing this would change my wheelbase to like 136-138" Is that bad? Approach angle would be alot better, but wheelbase will be much larger.
I'm not worried about what it looks like. I'll fab a custom made bumber and build fiberglass fender flares that would be painted to match the trucks paint. Would actually look kinda factory when done.
I would also need to cut the rear fender wells also and fab up fiberglass flares for those also, but that's not a prob either. If I move that axle forward, it would mess with my payload if I ever carry anything in the bed, not to mention, my aproach angle from backing up would be fubarred.
So, any suggestions? Would a slightly longer wheelbase then what I have now be too bad of a problem?
Pro..........Better approach angle
Pro..........Lower Center of Gravity
Pro..........No need for a step ladder
Pro..........I can still run over Civics!
Con.........Longer wheelbase (bad for tight spots/corners
Con.........Less ground clearance
Seems like the pros out weigh the cons, but, how bout some input from some experienced wheelers who have driven both large rigs and, say, Jeeps with a short wheelbase.
So, How much problem when 4-wheelin is TOO much wheelbase?
As it is, my new suspension would be like 35" from ground up to bottom of frame. That's pretty high, but needs to be that to keep the tires from rubbing on the back of the front fender wells while flexing.
So, I got to thinking...I could cut the front of the fender/bumber with no problem, as nothing is in the way there. This would be awesome for my approach angle and would make it so the ground to bottom of frame rail at only like 26-29". Lower center of gravity would be a big plus.
I can't cut the rear part of the fender well, as it would end up cutting into the door and cutting off the body mounts. So that's not really an option.
Doing this would change my wheelbase to like 136-138" Is that bad? Approach angle would be alot better, but wheelbase will be much larger.
I'm not worried about what it looks like. I'll fab a custom made bumber and build fiberglass fender flares that would be painted to match the trucks paint. Would actually look kinda factory when done.
I would also need to cut the rear fender wells also and fab up fiberglass flares for those also, but that's not a prob either. If I move that axle forward, it would mess with my payload if I ever carry anything in the bed, not to mention, my aproach angle from backing up would be fubarred.
So, any suggestions? Would a slightly longer wheelbase then what I have now be too bad of a problem?
Pro..........Better approach angle
Pro..........Lower Center of Gravity
Pro..........No need for a step ladder
Pro..........I can still run over Civics!
Con.........Longer wheelbase (bad for tight spots/corners
Con.........Less ground clearance
Seems like the pros out weigh the cons, but, how bout some input from some experienced wheelers who have driven both large rigs and, say, Jeeps with a short wheelbase.