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Suspension Upgrade Project Part IX: Conclusion By the end of 2006, I had completed some pretty cool suspension upgrades to my Dime, which I had named Commuter Status since it was on the road 85 miles a day as my sole transportation. If you didn't catch those blogs, here they are:
PART 1
PART 2
PART 3
PART 4
PART 5
PART 6
PART 7
PART 8 Half a year later, I am happy to say that I haven't had any major problems with this setup. The versatility is awesome; I love the fast/slow options provided by the Digital Stealth Valves. I don't think I could go back to a "normal" setup now. I noticed a few things about the Digital controller (which has been discontinued) for the DSV setup. First, if the buttons were illuminated, night time switch hitting would be easier. Second, I found it hard to use with one hand, since up/down are two different buttons. Perhaps some talent and coordination would do me well! The KP Components 6-link provides a great ride, especially in combination with the firmer-feeling Slam bags. I noticed that I could ride lower because the bags didn't just "mush out" when it came to bumps; at low pressure they feel solid. Getting used to the Dakota Digital gauges didn't take long at all. I just had to get used to an acceptable range of pressures, because you can drive yourself crazy with digital gauges, since they give more of an exact pressure reading than needle gauges. The dual lift in front is quite fast. Does the "dual" part make a difference? Yes, because at one point, one of the additional lift valves wasn't working, and the truck would definitely kick to the side (not lift evenly in front). I haven't even had it over 300 psi, but I think in the 300+ range we'd see something extremely fast. I haven't tested this out, as breaking something on the daily commuter wouldn't be good, and because I can't comfortably pump that much pressure! Let's just say that I wouldn't hit it up in front at 300psi without going pretty slow, seatbelt on, and without having a good amount of space to stop in, and it's a big enough hop to get your adrenaline going each time. And, it's SO nice to not have to worry about blowing a bag! Speaking of adrenaline, the fast dumps are LOUD, especially because they are right on the framerails under the doors. Even from inside the truck, with windows down, they'll make your ears ring. On the flip side, the slow setting is slow, but it's not too slow, if you know what I mean. It's perfect for finding the right height, and for adjusting on the road at high speeds. I would not choose to run the fast setting if it were not accompanied by the slow, practical, "safer" setting. All in all, I absolutely love this setup! It's a pleasure to drive, and it's pretty badass overall. I'd definitely recommend it, if versatility in suspension is "your thing." Finally, it rides really well. If it didn't, I would not have put over 13,000 miles on this truck, so far in 2007 alone! Please remember that this is from my own personal experience and preferences; you may feel differently or may have had different experiences!
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