How to Adjust Torsion Bars to Lower Front Dodge Dakota and Durango

After lowering the rear of the Dakota 5.5 inches it's time to lower the front by adjusting the torsion bars to level the truck. This is for second-generation Dakota's 1997-2004 and 1st generation Durango's 1998-2003.
Don't use the KYB shocks that I installed. I had a lot of bounce, felt like there were no shocks installed. Go with the Gabriel Load Carrier shocks that restored the preload to the suspension and returned the ride quality. There are Amazon links below.
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KYB Gas-A-Just KG4507 Shock Absorber DIDN"T LIKE THESE amzn.to/3hZh5ce
Gabriel 34057 Front Load Carrier THESE ARE AWESOME amzn.to/3CScCQT
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FYI if you click any of the product links above and end up purchasing anything I MAY get paid a small commission at no extra charge to you. This is one of the ways you can support the channel. Your support helps me bring out more content for all of you. Martinbuilt assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Martinbuilt. Martinbuilt cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information.

[@jmack8427]

Thanks for explaining this. Im actually cutting the body off of a 2000 Durango and placing a 1957 wagon on it. I choose the Durango because the wheel base and width was an exact match. I couldn't find a 2wd so i have a 4x4. I don't want a tall car. Your video was a tremendous help. I didn't realize it was going to be so easy

[@martinbuilt]

Well, that should look pretty cool when you're done. I'm glad you found the video helpful. Thank you for watching.

[@forgottenmuscletrucks]

I could tell how proud youbwere of that little 5/8 of an inch. Made the video just that much better. Im lowering my 01 durango rt 2 inches. Looks as if it will be easy. Blocks and 8 turns!!

[@plymouthperform]

Love your vids man, shows me that my 03 Dakota sport is worth keeping and fixing instead of buying a newer truck

[@martinbuilt]

Out here in Southern Nevada it is hard to even find an 03 Dakota in the salvage yard. People are still keeping them alive

[@UncleRoots413]

Your Dak is unbelievably clean! In the northeast mine is disintegrating. Keep posting ill keep watching. Especially the Dakota stuff.

[@martinbuilt]

Yeah, that is one thing you got to love about the southwest, no rust. Glad you are enjoying these videos. I got much more to come with the Dakotas.

[@UncleRoots413]

@@martinbuilt Cool beans! Hopefully your gonna do some stuff I have not yet. I've done most of what I think is reasonably affordable to this 4.7 without altering the platform. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

[@haniajlouni6396]

Thank you Mr Martin , very time say....this is the best master I have ever seen .. thank you....from Jordan🖐️

[@martinbuilt]

You are very welcome

[@maximad818]

thank you iv been looking for a video like that .. that helps alot thanks man this is awesome and it really helped me ... keep up the good job ... Greetings form Kuwait ... owner of a 2000 dodge Durango slt V8 magnum 💪🏼👍🏻

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful.

[@danhambrick6331]

Nice job Martin.Most people with 4x4's will put a lift kit on them,you are lowering your's.👍👍

[@mrbookends]

This might be a ridiculous question but: is it necessary to unload the torsion bars when lowering? Could you not see the difference in ride height in real time as you zipped the bolt back a few turns and save yourself from raising/lowering the vehicle on the jack a few times?

[@martinbuilt]

It makes it much easier if you take the tension off the torsion bars to turn the bolts and I needed to raise it so I can get underneath it and be able to get good angles for the video camera. Thank you for watching.

[@solarflare4259]

Hi Martin, I have a 99 Dakota 4x4 and trying to remove the lower control arm ; I removed everything including the spindle but I realize that the sway bar is still under tension. I also want replace the sway bar bushings... I think I also need to remove the torsion bars before removing the lower control arm. Actually since this truck has over 200,000 k miles I want to rebuilt the entire front suspension. There a re a bunch of videos on the FWD Dakotas but there is no video on doing that on the Dakota 4x4's..

[@cr250r9]

Hey Martin, new sub here. I watched some of your videos and they’re really helpful. I just bought a 2004 Dakota with the 4.7 Magnum with 130k miles 5 speed manual 4x4. It runs great and I’d like to keep it that way. What are the top tips you’d give to keep this engine running long? Thanks in advance

[@truthsayers8725]

dropping the front 3" and getting it close to the bump stops has me concerned. what do lowering keys do? ive got an 04 4x4 that is not used off road. i use the 4x4 strictly for inclement weather on the highway and state roads around me. i have to look for your axle flip video. that needs doing too if im going to lower it properly

[@martinbuilt]

I have done a couple other things after lowering the front. I replaced the shocks with Gabriel 34057 Front Load Carrier THESE ARE AWESOME amzn.to/3CScCQT and I replaced the bump stops with Belltech 4922 Bump Stop Kit amzn.to/3jntOXr How to Install Belltech Bump Stops on a Dodge Dakota and Durango kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKHOqmiMdrurmKc

[@jobehayes8444]

I just installed lower control arms on my 01 Dakota 4x4 do you do the final torque on the lower control arms after you adjust ride height or before?

[@TRDieselPerformance]

This was a really great tutorial! Thanks for making it, you helped me a lot!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you. I'm glad you liked it. I just would not use the shocks that I used in the video. The truck handled horribly with these shocks on bumps. I would highly recommend using these Gabrielle's. Gabriel 34057 Front Load Carrier THESE ARE AWESOME

[@TRDieselPerformance]

Thanks! I will keep that on mind once I drop my truck, i'm looking to drop my Mazda Fighter/Bravo/B2500. I know its not as heavy as your truck but It has the same torsion bar system and definetly I will need to change the shocks to a New ones, once again, great video man, keep it up 🙏🏼

[@martinbuilt]

@@TRDieselPerformance Good luck with the Mazda. Glad you found this helpful.

[@mickyquiroga3517]

Hello, taking it to the maximum height, with the standard torsion bar, what is the measurement from eye to eye of the shock absorbers that must be put?

[@honeywellsnake]

Did you ever do anything with the bump stops? Maybe ive lowered it to far, but mine just touch at my current ride height

[@martinbuilt]

Yes here's a video I did on it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKHOqmiMdrurmKc And these are the bump stops I actually went with in the end. amzn.to/3RceY6B Thank you for watching 😊

[@davestewart9146]

Hi Martin, I understand the concept of loosening the torsion bars to lower the truck but doesn’t it also take some of the twisting preload off the torsion bars making the truck ride softer? At what point do you re-index the torsion key, great video my friend 👍😁

[@martinbuilt]

yet to see, stay tune.

[@israelcontreras5332]

I was wondering that also.

[@israelcontreras5332]

Interesting video. I just bought a 2000 Dodge Dakota quad cab slt. I was wondering if there was a way to use the torsion bars to soften the suspension. Does this do that too?

[@martinbuilt]

Yes in my situation it softened it a too much and I end up having to put a coil over shock on the front otherwise it was bouncy and dangerous. Thank you for watching.

[@hayleymcguff3788]

Can you make a video on how to lower the back end please

[@martinbuilt]

Here are a couple of videos I have done on lowering the rear of the Dakota. Hope this helps. How to Relocate Spring Perches kzbin.info/www/bejne/govGqYCYhcx-iZI Issues with Moving Spring Perches for Dodge Durango and Dakota kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5yzlGCtpcR0g6s

[@NitrousDe]

Great video! I have a 03 dodge dakota 4.7 4×4. I just replaced the driver side upper and lower control arm and had to take the torsion bar off the lower arm. I installed the new arms and re installed the torsion bar in the lower srm but when i set it down its going way to low on the side i replaced everything. Can i spin the bolt yiu did the opposite direction? Will that make it level again?

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you. I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful. Yes, you can do that to raise the vehicle. The torsion bar needs to be installed exactly in the same position. It was removed, which is probably what caused the sit lower than it is now.

[@Gabrielggfloripa]

hello, what app or ob2 system do you use in your cherokee, I need to see the ABS and airbag failure, which in Brazil I didn't find an automotive scanner that gives correct information! Thanks

[@martinbuilt]

I've been using a couple that I've gotten from Harbor freight the newest one I don't recall the model number but it claims that it can do airbag and ABS but it really cannot so i also need to step up my game and get a better scanner.

[@904geez18]

Martin I love your videos can you do video on changing out differential bushings in the 4.7?

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, are you referring to the control arms for the front and rear axles. I did do a couple on the upper and lower rear control arms. How to Build Adjustable Rear Lower Control Arms for 1999-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6G0iXqwpKhpiac How to replace Upper Control Arm Bushings & Ball Joint on a 99-04 Jeep Grand Cherokee kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZDEpHaBfM-irZI Installing Johnny Joints in the Upper Rear Control Arm 99-04 Jeep Grand Cherokee kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZyQdXekaph6ldk

[@jpascua3824]

Martin, will this affect the front alignment or no?

[@martinbuilt]

Yes it probably will my alignment was off already. I did adjust the camber by using a level against the wheel and got it close I probably threw the Caster off a little bit. I will get it properly aligned after I do the big brake conversion on the front.

[@jpascua3824]

@@martinbuilt Oh, I see. Thanks for responding.

[@MarioSanchez-os3fv]

awesome! do you have a video on how to remove the lower control arm? i don't know how to do torsion bars

[@AnthonyPomeroy]

Did you ever find anything. I’m trying to do mine right now an don’t know how to do the torsion bar

[@AB67]

Do we need to get alignment done after this? I just had one done but want to lower the bars a bit now after the fact and so I ask this.

[@martinbuilt]

Depending on where you got your alignment and how much it was, they generally come with a warranty of at least 90 days all the way up to one year and if you go ahead and do the drop and take it back and have them check it again. sometimes you can get this done for free.

[@mattcoloris9647]

Do you have a video on lowering your rear end? Looking to do this on my 2001

[@martinbuilt]

I do have a few but lost the footage of the swap. Spring perch kzbin.info/www/bejne/govGqYCYhcx-iZI spring perch problems kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5yzlGCtpcR0g6s Disc brake conversion kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3iVeYB8qq6qgNU

[@mattcoloris9647]

Thanks man

[@martinbuilt]

@@mattcoloris9647 also, use these shocks amzn.to/3Fqoj3v or at least don't use the ones I used in the video.

[@spg5658]

Hey there. Just found your channel. Wow you are one talented guy yikes! Unbelievable vehicle 👍 I have a question about the headlight assembly. I believe you have the Spyder Brand correct ? So on Amazon I see a set for around $180 and I wanted to clarify something. It has LED ONLY for the HALOs right ? The headlights and turn signals, etc are all just regular OEM bulbs that you take from the order original assembly and reuse right ? Or are you using a set that has full LED everything?

[@martinbuilt]

Yes, the Halos are the only thing that is LED. Reuse all the original bulbs or you can replace the heads lights with LED. I used HID's on mine.

[@spg5658]

@@martinbuilt Got it thanks much !!

[@enjoythesho1992]

I'm confused on how flipping the axel would lower it on this truck the axel already sits on top of the leafsprings so wouldn't it be as simple as adding blocks?

[@martinbuilt]

Your truck must be a 2 wheel drive, and yes, all you need to do is add blocks. My truck is a 4wd. The Axel was under the leaf Springs.

[@castromotorsports4611]

@@martinbuilt if its 2 wheel drive how do i lower it

[@martinbuilt]

@@castromotorsports4611 then you'll have to go with lowering springs or drop spindles.

[@castromotorsports4611]

@@martinbuilt how do i lower the rear side?

[@kurbchecktom7149]

Hi Martin! love the videos on your Dakota. I own a 01 Durango 4.7 and I like to wrench on my own car as well. Your videos has been very helpful and it makes me confident in working on my car. keep up the good work!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you so much. I am glad you liked them 😊

[@rodom303]

Hey Martin are you swapping your bench 4.7 H.O into that Dakota?

[@martinbuilt]

That engine, I plan to install in the 04 JGC

[@paulunderwood8960]

I'm assuming you reverse everything you did to raise..... I have the 2002 Durango 4 by 4 just rebuilt the entire front end and need to readjust the torsion keys to get the 3-inch lift back up

[@martinbuilt]

Yes, you could do that, but you only will get 1" lift before you run out of threads. Here is what you need to get 3" lift for your Durango. 1" to 3" Adjustable Front Steel Torsion Keys Lift Kit and Torsion Bar Unloading Tool amzn.to/35EIeho

[@rdford2973]

Whats the drivetrain in your dakota? I wanted a reg cab 4.7 2wd 5 speed so bad for awhile.

[@martinbuilt]

yes I wanted the same as except with an automatic. I found this 01 Dakota 4x4 with absolutely no rust. The reg. cab 4.7 Dakota's are hard to find.

[@rdford2973]

@@martinbuilt i agree i have never seen one in person bro atleast anyplace near me or you. I have had dakota and durango friends in other states with them like they are dime a doz tho lol.

[@kennethbouch7796]

This only works on 4 wheel drive. 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota 2wd had coil springs on the front

[@martinbuilt]

This method is for the 4WD but, for 2wd you could do drop spindles or lowering springs.

[@kevinclevenger8741]

Did you ever figure out what upper arm to use .to make the upper adjustable.

[@martinbuilt]

it has an adjustable upper A-arm

[@albertogarcia6758]

how are you. I look at your videos and I have a question about a 2002 jeep Cherokee I have changed the power steering pump 3 times and it always makes me a noise that could be.

[@martinbuilt]

Does your JGC have the 4.7 or the 4.0?? If you have the 4.7 the power steering fluid Is special you do not use ordinary power steering fluid.

[@albertogarcia6758]

@@martinbuilt i have 4.0

[@rdford2973]

@@martinbuilt i run auto trans fluid in everything i own never had a problem. But some of my fords get the good ol Lucas because of the ford whine.

[@WhiteCavendish]

I have a 2006 Dakota, and I'm hoping to lift it 2" from the factory ride height. I assume I can do this in reverse (righty tighty instead of lefty loosey) to get it up 2"?

[@martinbuilt]

Yes that is correct. I'm not sure you'll get 2" of lift maybe 1 1/2.

[@WhiteCavendish]

@@martinbuilt I assume this only applies to the fronts? For the rear we would need to add a leaf or something?

[@art8067]

Thanks a lot for the video! Work this method on a 3rd Gen. 4x4 Dodge Ram too? Are 3" lowering possible? Thx greetings from Germany!

[@martinbuilt]

You are very welcome. I have never done it on a Generation 3 Dodge Ram. I've never paid much attention to the Dodge Ram front suspension. Does it use torsion bars? The last time I was in Germany was when I was 12 years old. My dad is from a small town there.

[@art8067]

@@martinbuiltYes 3rd Gen. 4x4 RAMs use Torsion bars too. Crazy what a small world! Greetings from Black Forrest!

[@art8067]

Yes 3rd Gen. 4x4 RAMs use Torsion bars too. Crazy what a small world! Greetings from Black Forrest!

[@jairocampo9970]

Can I see the fogs on?

[@ericmitchell3654]

Very helpful 👍

[@martinbuilt]

I'm glad you liked it. Thank you for watching.

[@srojas111ify]

Can you explain how to do the back ?

[@martinbuilt]

Here is how I lowered the rear kzbin.info/www/bejne/govGqYCYhcx-iZI

[@martinbuilt]

You what to watch this one as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5yzlGCtpcR0g6s

[@mikedimaria5460]

So there is only 1 bolt to turn??

[@martinbuilt]

Yes one bolt on each side

[@brynnond.6952]

Almost got me a Dakota. Was a 98 with only 15k on it and someone snatched it up before I could get to it. So I just got another grand Cherokee with the 4.7 in it.

[@martinbuilt]

Wow 15k that is crazy, there was one in Florida with similar milage some time ago I wish I had gotten.

[@Tharona]

How can your lower the rear ?

[@martinbuilt]

Here is a video that I did. kzbin.info/www/bejne/govGqYCYhcx-iZI

[@ekawpu1422]

thanks

[@albertogarcia6758]

how are you. I look at your videos and I have a question about a 2002 jeep Cherokee I have changed the power steering pump 3 times and it always makes me a noise that could be.

[@sactownmopar]

put some r/t wheels on it so it looks like a r/t but actually gets traction unlike the r/t rwd

[@Supercharged287SOHC]

I recommend you some shorter shocks and a alignment

[@martinbuilt]

Technically with use of the factory bump stops shorter shocks are not necessary. I will be changing the bump stops to provide more travel so I will be installing a shorter KYB shock. I did do a poor man's alignment on it which improved the camber. I did throw the caster off I'll be taking it to alignment shop soon.

[@dakotamatata]

You started at 33 5/8 and ended at 33 1/2. It didn’t seem to do anything

[@martinbuilt]

The 33 and 5/8 measurement was the height of the back, not the front. The front was nearly 36 inches high. The end result was a 3 inch drop.

[@M-ug8kl]

Where's Milo?

[@gilliland426]

for me i want to raise my 4x4 6 to 8 inches higher!

[@Lalala-js1kc]

You need a lift for that.

[@portoguincho24hs62]

Bom

[@daboo123]

Hypocrisy!😂😂 If anything you should have gone up But that's just the off-roader in me. 👍

[@brownwrench]

Why would you do this with a 4x4?

[@SmudgyContent]

Lolz 4lo launches at the drag strip next 😂👀 don’t do that just a joke 🤨

[@brynnond.6952]

Tried it lol ran outta gear at like 45mph