Ddoge Dart Suspension Walkaround

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Originally Posted By: Rock_Hudstone
Lug bolts, ugh!?


How German of them
wink.gif
 
Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Originally Posted By: Rock_Hudstone
Lug bolts, ugh!?


How German of them
wink.gif


I would say European, not just German.
 
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Good stuff here. I like the use of lots of aluminum to save weight. I also like the direct-mounting of suspension components to the body. Bad for NVH but good for feel and response.

Edmunds suspension walkaround


The Dart II catches a lot of flack but is actually pretty nice. There is a larger displacement N/A engine slated to arrive soon, 2.5 liters with Fiat's patented Multi-Air tech. Might turn out to be a winner...
 
Originally Posted By: MBS500
Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Originally Posted By: Rock_Hudstone
Lug bolts, ugh!?


How German of them
wink.gif


I would say European, not just German.


Or 1949 American. That's what my '49 Plymouth P18 uses, and left-handed ones on the left-hand side, at that.
 
Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: MBS500
Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Originally Posted By: Rock_Hudstone
Lug bolts, ugh!?


How German of them
wink.gif


I would say European, not just German.


Or 1949 American. That's what my '49 Plymouth P18 uses, and left-handed ones on the left-hand side, at that.



The turn of the century Oldsmobile 6C looks like it had lug "screws", I haven't found a great picture yet, but they appear to be slot.

Of course Karl Benz is the father of the automobile, so we may find the root of fastening wheels with screws in a motorized coach is in fact German.
 
Not every aluminum alloy is subject to salt rot as you mentioned. But there is no part of ANY car made designed to last 15 years anymore.

Underbody aero is a huge reason why my car is whisper quiet and dead rock stable at 150 mph. The Dart II appears to have all the pluses...
 
when hammering on a 10 year old aluminum knuckle to replace a ball joint, how will it hold up?
 
Originally Posted By: surfstar
2013_dodge_dart_det_fe_1241355_600.jpg


I like that stock smooth underbody = less MPG loss at higher speeds
smile.gif



I hope nothing ever needs replacement under there. That would annoy the heck out of me....even doing a simple oil change.
 
Originally Posted By: ryansride2017

I hope nothing ever needs replacement under there. That would annoy the heck out of me....even doing a simple oil change.


That's what those 3 little trapdoors are for. so you don't have to pull the whole skid plate/belly pan.
 
Originally Posted By: OVERKILL


Of course Karl Benz is the father of the automobile, so we may find the root of fastening wheels with screws in a motorized coach is in fact German.


That's just German worshiping
wink.gif
. Benz is credited with the first gas powered automobile, but I woudn't call him the father of the automobile. He was only a few years ahead of the American Duryea brothers first successful automobile. They were working concurrently and I don't think American cars drawn much inspiration from Europe. They were mostly bicycle and carriage makers with their own designs.
 
Aluminun knuckles and suspension parts have been used for years since the 80's at least on sports car like the 'Vette and now is very common. The '97 Chevy Malibu used aluminum knuckles and brake calipers and I've seen them hold up just fine and corrosion free 16 years later. A lot of cars for several years now have almost entirely aluminum suspensions and even subframes.The lowly 2000 Impala and W-cars have aluminum knuckles and subframe. I'd go so far to say they corrode less than steel parts. Aluminum= higher strength/weight.
 
Well it'll never be much of a runner with those solid discs in the rear. The front brakes are nice though, even with a single piston caliper.

That suspension is an amazing packaging job, a multi link rear is VERY hard to avoid eating up trunk space or passenger room.
 
The Dart is a worthy contender to the usual competition.The only reason people might poo poo it,is due to its FIAT origins or they hate Chrysler period and would never buy one.If the time ever came about,I think I would take a base Dart over the competition..but hey thats just me (and it wont happen...I dont like car payments or owing anyone).
 
IIRC, the original Dart used directional lug nuts.

FWIW

Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: MBS500
Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Originally Posted By: Rock_Hudstone
Lug bolts, ugh!?


How German of them
wink.gif


I would say European, not just German.


Or 1949 American. That's what my '49 Plymouth P18 uses, and left-handed ones on the left-hand side, at that.
 
My dealer gave me one of these for two days while my Challenger was in for warranty service (now a recall, Airbag wiring harness in the seat)

Pretty impressed for a little car. much nicer then the Calibers they used to have. The car I was basically new (under 500 miles) was very tight and although not exactly quick the acceleration was consistent/predictable, excellent handling and braking, nice interior materials. My only complaint was I kept hitting my head on the roof line getting in
 
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