Donk (automobile)

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The cover of a "Donk" magazine

Donk is a slang term referring to a type of highly customized automobile, typically an inexpensive American-built sedan modified by significantly increasing the ground clearance and adding large-diameter wheels with low-profile tires. Depending on the model and build year, autos customized in this manner can be labeled "donk," "box," or "bubble."

1 Music style and slang
2 Technical challenges
3 See also
4 References
5 External links

Donks originally grew out of the Dirty South hip hop subculture but the trend has spread across the United States. Vehicles customized in the donk style are distinguished by their outsized (even disproportionate) rims, ranging from 20" to 30" or more in diameter, as well as fanciful custom paint-jobs and expensive audio hardware. Suspension modifications similar to those employed on lifted pickup trucks are made to give adequate clearance for the large rims. Often the suspension is modified so the front end sits slightly higher than the rear end, giving the car a swaggering appearance. Because of the almost comically exaggerated look gained from installing a lifted suspension and enormous rims, donks are also known as "hi-risers" or "sky-scrapers." You can usually find these automobiles in Miami-Dade county and Broward County

Popular vehicles for these types of modifications are full-size Chevrolet models. Three of the most popular models to modify are the Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Caprice and Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Many enthusiasts agree that the term "donk" was originally shortened from "donkey," because the Chevrolet Impala logo resembled one. The donk label has been applied to other cars, but is considered most correct when referring to the Caprice. There are several sub-types of donks, although the distinctions are blurred and open to debate. However, most hi-riser enthusiasts agree that a traditional donk is a 1970s-era car with a sloping rear end. A "box" is a sub-type of a donk, usually a 1980s-era car with a boxy or squared-off front and rear end. A "bubble" is another sub-type and is usually a car with smooth, streamlined lines from the 1990s or 2000s, most commonly a Chevrolet Caprice.

[edit] Music style and slang

Donks are an integral part of the East Coast and South Florida music scene. The expression "Donk rider" originated with the Miami rapper Trick Daddy. Trick grew up in the Miami neighborhood of Liberty City. Donk riders and Rappers from this area also have a unique style of slang and clothing. In South Florida; if one rides old classic cars with 24's,^[1] you would be called a "Donk rider". ^[2] And you can say "I box a Donk Donk" which means you bought this style of car. One of the Donk Rider styles in the South Florida area includes dreadheads with gold teeth or a gold grill; over the years, this particular style has spread throughout Florida.

Donk, Box and Bubble hi-risers are usually old Chevys (from the '70s, '80s or '90s) lifted to fit huge wheels. The bright, candy-colored paint, lifted suspension, designer fabric interior and outlandish proportions give these cars their signature style. While these vehicles may start as $800 shells, owners investing $50,000 and more into these cars. This trend is defined by, though not limited to, these models:

The word "Donk" originally reffered to the 1973 thru 1975 Caprice Classic or Impalas, the word has since lost its true meaning since the birth of the big wheel trend.

'71-'76 Chevy Impala or Caprice '77-'90 Chevy Impala or Caprice '91-'96 Chevy Impala or Caprice '78-'88 Chevy Monte Carlo '77-'87 Buick Regal '78-'88 Oldsmobile Cutlass '78-'87 Pontiac Grand Prix

[edit] Technical challenges

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Like other extreme modifications to passenger cars, donks and related vehicles are subject to potential safety hazards and impairment of drivability. Raising a vehicle off of the ground by such a degree raises the center of gravity to a point where rolling the vehicle becomes a distinct possibility. The drive axles of the vehicles were designed for wheels in a specific size range. Putting such large tires and rims on a vehicle may overtorque the drive axles, causing snapping or shearing under high levels of stress, such as hard acceleration. The suspension modifications required are often meant for trucks and larger vehicles. In turning, the weight of the vehicle may shift to extremes that were never considered for the vehicle in question, and may cause loss of traction or damage to the vehicle itself.