Category: Uncategorized
Dodge Brake upgrades
Things are still moving around behind the scenes, just moving slow. I was hoping we would have things in production by now. Things are in place but family matters have been getting in the way for all involved.
But you Dodge guys!!
Brake kits, you want them, so I have an idea on how to improve the front brakes.
I have in the past done custom machine work to adapt bigger and better brakes to the Dakota/D150 spindle. But it’s expensive to pull off. Now that CNC machining has become so prevalent I have found a local partner that can make some of my ideas into reality.
If you are interested, please drop me a line at steve@industrialchassisinc.com and Let me know your thoughts.
I am going through the list of applications for cross-compatibility. Looks like the vans will also be in this list of compatible spindles. So long as your vehicle uses the A16 outer and A18 inner wheel bearing, these components will likely fit. The later vehicles have an ABS Tone Ring inside the hub. That will have to be dealt with also for those want to retain the ABS functionality.
| DODGE | DAKOTA | 1987-1990 |
| DODGE | DAKOTA | 1991-1996 |
| DODGE | B150 | 1985-1994 |
| DODGE | B1500 | 1995-1997 |
| DODGE | B250 | 1985-1994 |
| DODGE | B2500 | 1995-1997 |
| DODGE | D100 PICKUP | 1986-1989 |
| DODGE | D150 PICKUP | 1985-1993 |
| DODGE | RAMCHARGER | 1985-1996 |
| DODGE | B1500 | 1998 |
| DODGE | RAM 1500 VAN | 1999-2002 |
Stagnation: The condition of being stagnant; the cessation of flow
I need to post an update about the state of the product lines.
The arrangement with my employer has been difficult when it comes to production, pricing and shipments. I am exploring my options because you guys have been wanting more product that the current situation cannot fulfil.
I have been in contact with a few interested parties in a licensing agreement to produce the kits and parts again.
If you are in need of parts, please contact me at steve@industrialchassisinc.com
Bench Racing Forums
The Bench Racing Forum is the place to ask questions and have a discussion about the products we make and sell.
The forums can be found in the tool bar above and to the left, click that tab and join me in the forums.
There we can discuss the products offered, your project or just ask a question about your build. I would much rather have a conversation here than on social media pages.
Update and information
The product lines are still on hold until we finish moving. We are currently merging with Phoenix Hotrod Company and will not have capacity to build you any product until that move is completed.
We are no longer at the West Osborn address, custom work will be considered at:
Phoenix Hotrod Company
1700 E. Robin Ln
Phoenix, AZ 85024
Phone for CUSTOM WORK ONLY is 602-410-1211
Please do not call and ask about product at this time!
Ball Joints 2.0
In my last post, covered the Chrysler style screw in ball joints commonly used on Mustang II front ends. Today I want to talk about the Dakota ball joints and some misconceptions being run around the internet. There are a few generations of Dodge Dakotas now, I concentrate on the first two, being 87-90 and 91-96. Both are pretty much the same, the ball joints are exactly the same.
I have run across a few people trying to conflate the 97 up (3rd Gen) Dakota ball joint issues with the earlier First and Second generation trucks. In the 3rd Generation Dodge made quite a few changes to the Dakota’s front suspension. Almost a complete redesign. About the only thing similar is the lower control arm spacing and bushing size (yes, they will fit our kits) and the upper control arm rear mounting bolt is in the same location. But that’s it. The rack mounting and angles are very different and the upper control arm became symmetrical for cost cutting reasons. The other major changes are in the spindle and ball joints. They bare no resemblance to the 1st and 2nd gen trucks. The ball joints became significantly smaller and the orientation of the lower ball joint changed from tension (pointing up) to compression (pointing down) making dropped spindles pretty much impossible.
Have a look at the line up of ball joints here. From Left to right, the 1997 and up Dakota/Durango ball joint, The K772 Ball joint used in most Mustang II type set ups, The K778 joint used in the 87-96 Dakotas (and many other full size cars and trucks) and then on the Right is the K7025 used on the Dakotas and several other full size cars and trucks. Visual confirmation would show you, this is robust stuff. History can confirm that these larger ball joints were not failure prone. Sure, everything wears out, this is why we recommend using premium quality repair parts when building your car or truck. Not only will you see a longer service life, you will get a better ride quality with parts like the MOOG joints and bushings we suggest.
I suppose shocks would be the next topic, stay tuned!
We’re out for the weekend
The whole crew is leaving for Austin Texas 04/19/2017 after work to head over to the Hand-built Motorcycle Show.
If you place an order through the website, we will process and ship Monday/Tuesday when we get back.
More new product in the store
Recently added are dropped spindles, engine mounts and a few other goodies.
Like this, a bolt-in transmission crossmember for stock Model A frames. Allows you to use ’35 up style transmission mounts and a 48-52 Ford F1 brake and clutch pedal set. 
Promo Video
We had Bean’s Book of Rod Shops stop by last week. These guys travel around the country and shoot video of different shops. Here is some footage they took.
Open House Party This Weekend
For those of you from out of state attending the Goodguys Southwest nationals, and for those locals who like to hang out for a bit, We are throwing the doors open this Saturday at 4:00pm for the 15th annual event. We are celebrating with Ken and Dan of FTD Cycles and Robert from Vintage HD Works.
As usual, tool demos, conversations and such. We will have food and drinks.
You must be logged in to post a comment.