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Old 09-09-2010, 01:02 AM   #5 (permalink)
dmac257
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 49

aerobrick - '04 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab SXT
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Dave View Post
My experience:
I made an air dam out of nearly indestructible (and hard to fabricate) 3/8" ripstop conveyor belting.

I got greedy and (first iteration) left it 3/4" above grade. From a fuel economy standpoint, it worked like a champ. But it dragged a lot. No damage, just that annoying sound.

Next try, trimmed it back to 1.5" above grade. Again, excellent MPG performance but it still dragged.

Next try 3" above grade. More or less same result: Good MPG, dragged a lot. No damage, just annoyance.

This year I trimmed it back to 8" above grade in front of the wheels and 12" above grade inside the hanging-down suspension parts. Big mistake. MPG dropped off but at least it doesn't drag or look so dorky.

If it doesn't improve MPG, what good is it?
State law here says min clearance for anything attached to car is 4" but I have seen dropped vehicles MUCH lower than that. I think they have air bags to lift them up for inspections or something. I dont want to go to that much expense. Just a little Clorplast in front to see if it works or not.

You didnt say if you also have a belly pan underneath as well as the air dam?

Don
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