Hi All,

Just bought a 2008 Durango SLT 4x4. It has the 4.7 and the OEM 20s.

Coming from the Jeep offroad world, I don't normally run 20s or lower anything, but my parking structure at work is an issue. The Jeep is my wife's Daily Driver because it no longer fits, and I will be driving the Durango. Had an '08 Grand Caravan, and it didn't suit me, so I traded to this.

My issue is this: the parking structure has an advertised clearance of 6'. From the stage 1 lift on the Jeep, I know that I can get away with 6'1". The Durango measures out at 73.5 or 6'1-1/2".

I want to lower it by only 1-1.5". I know it is 4x4, but don't flame me, I just want to keep the roof rails intact (I did manage to find one spot to chunk out the Jeep's hard top).

Some more background:
1) I will most likely sell the 20s and get 18" or *maybe* 17" wheels. Also most people here run 2 sets, one for winter tires.
2) I am OK with dropping just the rear, as I will most likely want an aggressive pre-runner look (with no lift) and level out the Durango
3) So far from what I see the only real kits for Gen 2 are 3" drop. This is a little too much for my own liking, but would be my last resort, in which case I would go for a performance look.
4) Are Gen 1 or other model springs an option?

I would be open to a DIY solution as well.

Thanks for any feedback!

Darren

 

First off going with 17 or 18" rims will do nothing as all the stock tires are 30.5" you would need to drop to a 28 tire to gain 1". I have a 2008 and have droppe dit jsut about 1.75" in the back and 1" in the front. I have the factory 20" and will measure the hight tomorrow. I park next to a 2004 thats all stock and am sure its much lower. Sonce the highest point it the back thats where i will measure.

The fronts you can jsut drop by the torsion bars, the rear i cut excactly 1 coil off and its just what im was looking for. I also did the same to my 2004.

The ride is perfect and I also tow a 19 foot boat with no problem or rubbing. I run the SRT 22' in the summer with no rubbing at all.

 

Factory , it came with the 18" I got the 20's later.



dropped with 22's



Before drop with 20's


Full vacation load and boat.

 

How about the torsion bar quick lift / drop?

 

For the tires I was looking at the difference in height for various sizes but wasn't really thinking about how it would look. Was just thinking out loud what the real measured height was i.e. thinking the reverse of my Jeep, like getting 1.5 lift going from 32" tires to 35" (half the diff) but in reverse.

Cutting 1 coil might be an option, I will wait to hear back what you measure. I measured just in front of the rear wheels where the pass door closes. I got 73.5" at the top of the roof rack and would aim for 72". I got the same measurement from an '04 on a lot near my house.

Your photo with the boat and load, is that with the cut coils?

Thanks!

Darren

 

Sorry, coming from a Jeep with a live front axle... For the torsion bar, you are talking about the front only?

Thanks!

Darren

 

Tthe torsion bar will only drop the front. You can see from my orignal picture above when Durangos are stock they have a pretty defined rake where the back is higher than the front. In the attached photo I just took I ran a straight edge across the roof racks and measured 73" at the front point and 72" at rear as well as 34" wheel well to ground. Thats with stock 265/50/20" yokahama's
The photo with the boat is with the rear dropped. The back end was loaded with cargo and the boat has about 400 lbs on the ball. I jsut loaded it with 18- 40 lb bags of pellets and the rear still wasnt dragging.

 

That photo with the boat really appears the rear is down. here is a picture with the boat on the ball but no load in the back.

Pretty level.

 

Cool thanks! I think this is what I might do. Mine is still at the dealer as they wanted to swap out some oxygen sensors before delivery (they got a code on Fri right before my appt ). I might go and get some stock measurements to compare (on the '04 I mentioned), but this might be the way to go for me. I know where the tight spots are in the garage, but at least this would give me a bit more breathing room

I am thinking 3" might be too much for me... I definitely want less rake though.

Are there any stickies or write ups on the torsion bar for the front?

Darren

 

They is informaitn everywhere online, super easy, look the frame and look for a crossbar about midway front doors. You will see 2 large bolt heads pointing down. every turn counter clockwise equals 1/4" most go about 4-5 turns. Jusy hit them with WD-40 and with a jack take the weight off the front tires and just turn the bolts. Most will say to allign front end after but both of mine where never realigned and my tires wear fine and she track perfect. You can look in a small opening and see if how the bolts push up on the torsion keys. To drop the rear, remove the spare tire and shocks you will need to remove the large bolt holding the watts link on the rear axle. I had to palce a jack between the frame and axle to acutall get a little more room. Be carefull not to kink the rubber brake line, the coils will roll out. I would start with exactly one full coil but you may have to try it and go 1.25 coils. I tape the rubber coil bushng back on the top it helps to hold it to reinstall and the black tape isnt goint to hurt anything. I cut my coils with a air powered 3" cut off wheel. Do not use a torch.