How I lowered my D150!!!

[@TheGasTap]

I BUY AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESSES! If you decide not to do this you self and go to a repair shop, please ask the business owner if they would consider selling there business. DM me their information if they are interested in selling. If a deal is made then finders reward $$ will be given.

[@CharlesEbarb-v8g]

Does the offer still stand? I own a remodeling company and I’m looking to cash out and start another type of business!

[@TheGasTap]

@@CharlesEbarb-v8g email me please. [e-mail]

[@n8rm]

Great and super informative. Kudos

[@mv8mstraseapfcc113]

For the bumpsteer, the steering arms from an 81-93 van or an early Dakota should fit your spindles and flip the outer tie rod to the bottom but check strut/radius rod clearance to the joint body/zerk at full steering lock. You might want to check what springs are installed. The basic, light-duty d150 spring wire is 0.812” thick (without paint) and rated at 850#/inch at normal ride height length (10.5”). The heavy duty truck spring is 0.830” with about the same free length of 12.5” and rated at 1034# (comp to 11” but the rate will increase when you trim it to desired ride height). If you want to try more rate, new replacement springs are sold in matched pairs for about $70; probably not much cheaper used and a lot more effort to pull. Van springs were a couple inches longer and either 0.812 or 0.855”. Crew cab long bed was the thickest at 0.890”. Lots of other springs you could use from other makes also that will fit the seats properly.

[@Eerieeric7]

I just randomly found this video , and was blown away on the information and how you presented it! I found it VERY informative and helpful, keep up the job!!

[@jimmyford271]

On my 78 D150 I flipped the rear and moved the springs onboard the frame and I’m running Competition Engineering adjustable shocks with mounts welded to the axle tubes. On the front I just remover 1 coil and 1”.

[@danbuchner1494]

Did you narrow the tubes or go with a more offset wheel

[@jimmyford271]

@@danbuchner1494 10” wide with 8” back space and I tubbed it. Running Hoosier 29, 14.5x15.

[@danbuchner1494]

@@jimmyford271 Frikken kool it must look nasty from the back and side

[@jimmyford271]

@@danbuchner1494 it does. From the side you can see the exhaust too. It’s a 499 ci low deck and I have custom made fender well headers that have 2.25” primary tubes and 4” collectors it has 4” exhaust from the collectors with small mufflers and turn downs just passed the cab.

[@jimmyford271]

@@danbuchner1494 it’s a ClubCab short wide. Has an 8 point roll cage but from the out side it mostly hidden.

[@tjexpress8732]

A few yrs ago while restoring one of my lil reds .Took it to a spring shop for some new springs .The old guy that worked there .sayed that the bias over time comes out of the spring over time because of the gas tank and driver on that side .. That they came with extra bias in that side new .. He just rerolled the spring then the trk sat level just like the day i got it frm the dealer...

[@TheGasTap]

I guess the aftermarket doesn’t take that into account when making reproduction springs.

[@xtv007]

Nice job! I had an '82 D150 with the 225 slant. Gutless but still one of my favorite vehicles ever.

[@Doosterify]

Did the truck come from the factory with that axle? My 87 D-150 had an 8.25. When I bought it the axle had an issue, when I shifted from drive to reverse or vice versa it made a loud CLANK. I got under and discovered it had excessive back lash. I never bothered to find out why, I got an 8.8 out of an F150, IIRC it was an inch wider, the spring pads were further apart and the Ford uses a larger U joint. The bolt pattern for the wheels was the same so I cut them off and welded new pads on and used an adapter U joint and it worked out fine.

[@TheGasTap]

9.25

[@ftwopointeight]

The "D-series Lean" is simply based on layout. You have a 15 gallon (US) tank, gas weighs 8lbs a gallon, plus a 200lb +/- driver, gives an extra 350 lbs on that single side. With a dry curb weight of 3600lbs (based on my 1984 LA-powered D150) that extra weight is the reason for the lean... I'm putting B100-van lower control arms, tubular upper control arms, and drop springs on my 90 D100, and thinking of taking out 1/2 coil of passenger side spring to balance it all out.

[@ftwopointeight]

Which also I need to ask: did you have any alignment issues with the van control arms?

[@TheGasTap]

I didn’t

[@Skullhunter-sv6rc]

I love the background picture of u and big red the truck just looks amazing in that time

[@gtmotorsports937]

I’m planning to build a D150. So if I understand you right. To lower the front end to the height yours is- you just use the van control arms? That seems easy enough. I know from the previous comments I can get them from an online parts supplier or the salvage yard. Flip kit in the rear is easy enough as I’ve done those on Chevy trucks before. This will be my first 2wd Mopar truck so I’m learning! Thanks for the videos!

[@TheGasTap]

Yes sir. That’s all there is to it! Enjoy!

[@gtmotorsports937]

@@TheGasTap thanks!

[@Isteveym]

Reading all the coments . Now it all makes sense driver side front sitting lower . Van lower control arms and new spring it is . And fuel cell afterwards. Having the rear flip gave me a 8” drop and you bet the fuel tank sits 4-5” off the ground 😅

[@Str8sixfan]

A co-worker of mine used to have an 80 half ton. Took a long time, but he did find a set of those van LCAs, but he ended up selling off the project for something else before he installed. Really cool seeing 80s dodge trucks as street trucks - super unique!

[@Jamesbond-wo5ob]

What is the actual lowering measurements when it was done ? How did it lower it in the front and rear . Looks level is it ?

[@blueduster74]

He wouldn’t give you the alignment sheet? Never heard of that. We always gave them at JBA and the dealer does on request.

[@chacebryan1559]

Lowered mine off your info little over a year ago. Worked great, left side sat lower also. Only issue I had was the camber bracket that the camber bolts ride in..... yeah I stripped those out and had to fabricate my own. That sucked.

[@TheGasTap]

Yikes. Old truck, it happens.

[@MikeyBsGarage]

Sorry for the late response, Thank you for the walkthrough! Why did you use the shock plate from a 68-9 charger again? Just for more clearance?

[@TheGasTap]

To have longer shocks.

[@jakebopp6009]

Been a minute! I bought your green Gheenoe from ya! I just got an 88 Ramcharger, will this same process work for the RC? How did you adjust the rear axle location? Adjustable bar, or what?

[@TheGasTap]

I’m not sure on the rc.

[@1992thundersc]

Driver side drop, due to Battery, Steering box, steering wheel and driver weight. my 72 does the same thing. Nice truck BTW,

[@TheGasTap]

I've heard that from others too. Why doesn't new springs fix it? is the frame twisting?

[@rickyrobinson3096]

You wouldn't happen to know big reds measurements on each side of the rear wheel opening are. I'm wanting to change my long bed to short bed and can't find those measurements anywhere. Any help id appreciate it

[@TheGasTap]

21.5 front and 20.5 rear

[@rudyhollis6540]

I owned the orange version of your truck, I mean I had different wheels and tires but the stance and look of my truck was just like yours!!!

[@archive.garage]

Man that exhaust sounds good!

[@bcbloc02]

I just put a Cummins in them, that gets the front end down. :-) I like my girlfriends 98 Dakota for riding around but I do miss the bigger cab of the 1st gen. I feel a little cramped in the Dakota. I originally wanted to swap my Mercedes diesel into a Dakota to get 30mpg but am kind of thinking maybe I should do a 1 gen instead for better comfort. Not sure I get get 30mpg out of one of them tough as I think they pull a lot more air, weight isn't much different I don't think.

[@gulfy09]

I too thought of doing a benz swap in a 07 ford ranger. But those benz diesel motors cant get much power out of them..30mpg i dont think they will ever do that..

[@bcbloc02]

gulfy09 I get 26 to 28mpg out of my stock 5200lb Mercedes car. I think with the trucks overdrive and lighter weight 30 should be doable. Heck I get 19-20mpg now in my d350 crew cab with an engine twice the size.

[@gulfy09]

@@bcbloc02 im mean the older benz. But it dont add up a 93d250 cumming 5 spd.easily gets 22 to 25 mpg. Thats a 5.9litre then average cars today with smaller displacement dont even come close..

[@ddgatewood71]

Your truck basically what I'm hoping mine will turn out like. I'm using a LA though.

[@searchingforsalsa]

Does axle flipping the rear not jam the drive shaft too far into the trans, I saw someone saying that they lost reverse and had to physically hold the shifter into gear or it would pop out of gear after a week

[@TheGasTap]

Measure it!!!! Don’t take anyones word for it. I had a bent driveshaft after upping my horsepower so I don’t have a stock unit now.

[@searchingforsalsa]

So I did the axle flip, and yeah, my driveshaft is jammed way too far into my trans now. If I ever get the time I’ll have to shorten the driveshaft an inch or so

[@DarrensTruckzs]

I’ve noticed that too .. about left front sits bit lower than other side . I’ve owned an 81 ,83, An a 85 D100 or 150 oh An I can’t forget my 76 D 100 that was my grandfathers an all of them did that .. I always wondered why an never really figured it out

[@wanderingdaze7018]

Been doing some research on how to lift my b series van. You think if I use the lower control arms from these trucks will give me a couple of inches of lift?

[@TheGasTap]

It would but the problem is the bolt size is smaller on the d series. Not sure if you could sleeve the B van holes to make it safe. I’d love to have a lifted B Van!!

[@Kevin_747]

After looking around for used Dodge Van lowers I found new ones on Rock Auto (chinese no doubt) for 88 bucks ea. with a ball joint. Can't crawl around pick and pull for that kind of money. I bought my '88 D100 new. Its patiently waiting for me to finish my current project. Our era of Dodge trucks get very little love from the aftermarket.

[@TheGasTap]

Yep. Basically zero aftermarket. Makes us tougher. No easy LS swap crap here or build a Ford or Chevy from a parts catalog (No car needed to start). lol

[@chacebryan1559]

If you don’t mind em being Chinese buy em. Pulling the LCA’s in the yard sucked. I paid like 80 bucks for both of them from pick n pull. KC yards are not cheap.

[@TheGasTap]

I did the same. Kind of dangerous too. I put a tire under the control arm to catch it from killing me when the ball joint let loose. 🤦🏻

[@HFG]

You think a B350 control arm will work? I'm not sure what the differences are between the B's really.

[@TheGasTap]

It has a bigger ball joint(350). The 150 is the one you want.

[@HFG]

@@TheGasTap that makes sense. I already had a 350 here. Thanks. I'll be on the lookout for a 150 then.

[@lynnvelardi4654]

hi, i 'm lowering mine using the same set up. can you suggest a front shock that would work with this application? thanks

[@TheGasTap]

I used summit racing 90/10 shocks. I measured and chose the shock length I thought best fit.

[@marshallneel1521]

Iam doing a 79 d100 need to ask questions bout how the msd huck up an Ridiator set up

[@TheGasTap]

I followed the MSD install instructions and radiator is stock.

[@brandonnelson9392]

What lower ball joints did you use the ones that came in the lca will not fit my truck knuckle

[@TheGasTap]

You have to be sure to get b150 control arms. B250’s have the bigger ball joint.

[@reacew7624]

Thank you for this, I've heard about doing it this way and wondered how it would ride. As for sitting lower on the drivers side, I had the front clip off my d150 and noticed the rivet holding the frame together on that side was broken. Not sure if that could change the height or not but might be something to check.

[@78ramcharger53]

The w150's sit lower on driver's side also,not sure why but they do.

[@patrickjamesmcb]

Nice looking D150! We did the same suspension setup on ours

[@cbobmonster]

I know it’s been a year but I just got myself a 75D 100 and I want to lower it bad and yes it sags on the passenger side so you think cutting a half a coil in the driver will level it out?

[@TheGasTap]

It helps. I have have a half coil cut out of mine. Still not level.

[@blakenorman4822]

Did lowering it affect the camber in front, did you have to adjust the camber bolts on top control arms to get back to neutral camber? I transplanted an 87 suspension onto a 47 frame and its got too much positive camber with my camber bolts moved all the way in i can get them, wondering if i lower it, will it help suck my wheel back to neutral by making the top control arm drop in a little bit

[@TheGasTap]

I did mess with my alignment pretty bad. I asked the tech that aligned it how bad it was and the service advised interrupted him and just told me everything was great. I’d like to get it on the rack and check the alignment myself.

[@garrettsparks4875]

Great looking truck! I have a 1987 dodge d150 with the 318. I have a video of it on my channel and I want your opinion on whether it would look good lowered or not.

[@55stunt]

Do you happen to know if the van B150 Upper control arms are interchangeable with the D150?

[@TheGasTap]

I’m not sure. Sorry.

[@gertv6777]

You can probably get rid of your bump steer doing a tie rod flip, Jeep guys do it get the drag link higher off the ground, yours would give you a downward angle for better steering

[@TheGasTap]

I have considered that. Just haven't gotten it done.

[@jeffchapman5742]

Do you know the pinion angle? I used all the same parts you did.

[@TheGasTap]

I welded mine in at -4 degrees

[@jeffchapman5742]

@@TheGasTap ok thanks for the info

[@wholelottamiata6976]

Nice video, my 86 leans to the Fr left as well

[@joelresendiz972]

Have you ran with any issues with the fuel tank beeing to low? I dropped my 1990 d150 with the same setup as yours but my fuel tank sits way too low. I actually cracked it already luckily I found one for dirt cheap. I'm starting to think the previous owner didn't strap the fuel tank correctly. The straps are completely loose. And my tank is sitting way past the chassis.

[@TheGasTap]

Mine sits level with the bottom of the frame.

[@joelresendiz972]

@@TheGasTap I thought so!! I'm going to install my new tank now and get it right where it's suppose to sit. I really appreciate your reply. I subscribed to your channel You've got great content. 👍

[@TheGasTap]

Thank you!

[@patrickflowers2349]

I would bet that your left rear spring is weak, replace it and it should help.

[@leonelplascencia2990]

Really nice truck

[@TheGasTap]

Thank you!!

[@kenkincaid7094]

Hey I have a question for you. Thanks

[@TheGasTap]

Reach me on Instagram or fb messenger

[@kentondavis4972]

Is it true Dakota spindles can be used to lower the front as well?

[@TheGasTap]

I've heard that but never seen it done.

[@jimmyford271]

I’ve never heard that but wish I had lol. I have an 87 Dakota that I put Belltech 2” lowering spindles on so I had the stock ones.

[@TheGasTap]

I love dakotas. If big red wasn’t my first truck I’d snatch the engine and drop it in a Dakota.

[@jimmyford271]

@@TheGasTap I built a mild 318 and put in mine backed by a 46RH transmission. It’s a very tight fit. I had to move the condenser under the bed so I could still have AC lol

[@TheGasTap]

Interesting. I had a lot of room in my ‘88 with magnum 360. I used Schumacher engine swap mounts and a 727.

[@wilsonhardy2100]

Dang you've got the coolest toys!

[@sterlingwilkey2124]

Simple but yet so dang effective

[@MoparMan-ff8fb]

I like how it doesnt look ghetto and its not slammed to the ground with air bags 🙄😡. its lowered just enough and still has that muscle truck look. love the sound of that built motor . I dont remember if you've got to see my videos on my channel or my truck ? like I tell everbody it's just me and my smart phone so dont expect anything special . 😎✌

[@TheGasTap]

All good. Smart phones have excellent cameras now. 👌🏼 I was watching some of yours just the other day.

[@braxstechtown1872]

well now im finding some custom 150's. im putting hydraulics on my 93 d150

[@philtitus7860]

I'm willing to bet they sit low on the driver's side is because of all the extra weight on that side. Fuel tank, steering column, pedal set, steering box, battery and so on.

[@IMKINDOFABIGDEAL13]

I’ve got a 79 d200 with a 360 that I want to lower. What year did you say yours is?

[@TheGasTap]

1986

[@IMKINDOFABIGDEAL13]

@@TheGasTap awesome, do you use the original truck springs or can you also swap in the van springs?

[@TheGasTap]

I’m not sure of the spring rate and height of the van springs. Never tried it.

[@IMKINDOFABIGDEAL13]

@@TheGasTap I will be doing mine once I get a new steering column installed,

[@coleyellowbirdwelds]

Do you have the part numbers for the shocks you used?

[@TheGasTap]

No. I measured the truck travel and found shocks to match.

[@daviddavid5880]

Very cool. Nice job.

[@chuckhansen7531]

I have 4, 80s model dodge trucks that i have lowered. Cut front coils and flip the rear. To get then to set level side to side i cut one and a quarter rounds off the LH front spring a one and a half rounds off the RH front spring. There is the added weight from the battery and gas tank(and driver) on the LH side of the truck and they will not set level with out adjusting hight on the LH front coil. If you lower by cutting the front coils.

[@danbuchner1494]

How ya doing im dropping mine right now im putting CAL TRACS on to THAT was fun alot of grinding LUV your truck keep up the vids

[@SamsterOne]

Nice wheels and a paint job would really make this vehicle pop!

[@TheGasTap]

True but that’s not my style. I flock to beaters 😄

[@SamsterOne]

@@TheGasTap I know. I do like the Valiant with it's natural patina!

[@Formerlywarmer]

Fuel tank driver and steering gear drags the left Down by about 1.5 “ or so. I moved an aluminum 22 gal fuel cell between the frame rails all the way in the back lost 30 pounds it’s level now 😂. MOPAR2YA 😎

[@TheGasTap]

Sweet! What fuel tank did you get? Part number?

[@Formerlywarmer]

@@TheGasTap mine came from a boat but I got lucky and found one that fit. There’s a guy on utube that did it with a reproduced ford mustang tank that fits between the rails perfectly. I shared his video with a buddy here in bama and he got the same one now in a 72 Dodge trk. Made a pop up recessed fuel filler in the bed floor that’s pretty cool too. Search utube and u will find him MOPAR2YA 😎

[@jlsracing997]

I love everything about the truck except those wheels. It deserves better. Lighter wheels will make it quicker too!

[@MitchJohnson-uu5uf]

So the front coils are stock length minus the half you cut off on the right one?

[@TheGasTap]

Correct

[@mardyyeboy8733]

What did u buy to lower the rear?

[@TheGasTap]

3:06

[@AquaticSlaughter]

360 magnum?

[@TheGasTap]

Yes

[@mikesr3407]

Video starts with a dog and a red dodge truck 👍 I m thumbs up and commenting early bro !

[@TheGasTap]

Thanks 👍

[@MartinGonzalez-nd6bn]

Hey bud, what dog breed is bibi?

[@TheGasTap]

Phoebe is a rescue dog. Her papers said American Standard Terrier when I got her.

[@oregonisnotabluestatekmats117]

Sweet bro thanks

[@nashguy207]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@cuzmccullough4114]

Tire size?

[@TheGasTap]

Everything is in the video description.

[@stannelson2582]

The real issue is the rims and tire combo. Any rim but those. That like going to the beach with your girl friend and she has toe nail fungus

[@TheGasTap]

I love going to car shows and no one cares about the truck until I start it up. That’s my style.

[@stannelson2582]

@@TheGasTap but you could be a part of the show if you put some 255 60 s on it with a black steal rim. I like your confidence though. The truck is a 10 on the fun factor scale.

[@TheGasTap]

I have 275/60/15 nitto 555r drag radials. Why do I need a smaller tire?

[@stannelson2582]

@@TheGasTap true. Have you ever just look at something and say to yourself man there is something wrong with it. That’s what I think when I see your truck. It’s just a taste thing. Don’t take offense. I made a change to a 255 60 on a square body 30 years ago and it made a huge difference in every way. Just taste that’s all. I still love your beast.

[@TheGasTap]

I’d have to see it. I had 255/60’s on my Dakota and Durango. They were too small.

[@318willrun]

nice explaination....

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

Or you could leave your front geometry alone and put drop spindles on it.

[@TheGasTap]

Where can I get D150 drop spindles?

[@raceadodge]

@@TheGasTap I've bought from X2 industries but they're pretty expensive. If your on Facebook, look up Brandon LS Fruth. He makes upper control arms to correct the ball joint angle.

[@mattvorhees6055]

@@TheGasTap first gen Dakota drop spindles from belltech. You got to drill out the steering arm and flip ball joint to fix dump steer. Might as well do a thunder bird rack and pinion as well.

[@freedomsded2210]

I have the same truck and same exact dog lol weird

[@tothemax0729]

If I lowered my celica I couldn't go no where

[@TheGasTap]

lol.

[@Mitchelldevisser]

Not that big a deal?! I guess my old lady should be walking anyways.

[@TheGasTap]

No idea what you are referring to.

[@CharlesEbarb-v8g]

Why are you welding anything to that axle? Use the longer shackles but heck man, We just use hockey pucks (galvanized rubber) for spacers. You only need 1-2 for each side and they are easily fixed together. I also use them as motor mounts! 😂😂 But the idea to look at a 68-69 charger for the rear shackles is a great idea! 💡 🫶👏👏🎯👍👍 Also, buy a shorter spring. Cheaper and easier.