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steve
Dodge Dakota
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12/16/2002
21:47:29
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 Subject: 2" Fabtech Basic Lift
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Has anyone at all used this lift and successfully used the stock wheels and 31/10.50 tires? America's tire co states they can fit 31/10.50 tires on a stock 2wd 5.2l V8 extended cab dak. I'm not so sure about that. It says that it's the max tire size on their charts though. I wish someone had some damn spindles for this truck I would just get those. The basic kit is really cheap and I don't really want fabtech's "performance" kit because it's more expensive and all I really want to do is level the truck and have 31's. I do however not want a body lift. Any input appreciated.
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Chaximus
Dodge Dakota
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12/20/2002
10:52:35
|  RE: 2
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If you want to level your truck, go with the 2 inch basic system for the $$ you are willing to spend. It will level it out pretty good and u'll be able to fit 31's without a problem. I have the 3 inch suspension lift with 31's and there is PLENTY of room for tire movement so you won't have a problem with rubbing.
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steve
Dodge Dakota
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12/20/2002
22:39:21
| RE: 2
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Will I be able to still use my stock wheels with the 2" lift?
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Chaximus
Dodge Dakota
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12/21/2002
15:21:45
| RE: 2
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Hmm....i wouldn't know but someone on the board told me that it was possible but i'm not entirely sure. Post another threat on the board and ask that question. It'll be answered in a jiffy.
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4wDakota
GenIII
12/22/2002
17:04:15
| RE: 2
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Yes, stock wheels will fit with a 2" fabtech
98 CC 4x4, 5.2 Auto 3.55LSD
3" Body Lift, 1" Torsion Bar Lift, 33" BFG A/T KO's
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Russ
Dodge Dakota
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12/27/2002
16:12:54
| RE: 2
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Yes, to everything. i have the 2" fabtech basic lift on my '98 ext cab 5.2 with 31" 10.50s. and i have them on the stock wheels. the 31s rub a little at full turn but it is not bad at all. i put it on myself in about 4-5 hours. the install is pretty easy if you have the right tools.
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NBC
Dodge Dakota
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2/09/2003
11:56:09
| RE: 2
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How hard is it to remove the original coils and install the Fabtech 2" suspension lift coils? What special tools will I need?
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Badassmp
GenIII
2/10/2003
22:51:24
| RE: 2
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I'll tell you this weekend. I am getting the 2" basic kit and the PA 3" body lift....should be here by friday......as far as special tools a spring compressor is about all.....I think.....
The best defense is to kill everyone else!
2000 Quad Cab Sport , 3.9L, 5spd
Bridgestone Dueler AT Revo 31x10.5s, ARE Fiberglass Cap, AND ON THE WAY : PA 3" Body Lift, Fabtech 2" Lift Coil Springs, Fabtech add-a-leafs
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Traumer
Dodge Dakota
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2/11/2003
12:15:20
| RE: 2
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Baddassmp,
Look forward to your update. I have the 3"PA and am considering the Fabtech 2" as well. Good Luck this weekend.
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Jeff @ PLC
Dodge Dakota
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2/11/2003
16:24:10
| Fabtech 2" Springs - Please Read!
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Unless Fabtech has released a new 2" spring for the V8 trucks I would not expect the current FTS3100-1 2" lift spring to provide a full 2" inches of lift on the V8 equipped trucks... in the past the FTS3100-1 has only provided between .75 and 1" inch of lift on the newer 4.7 V8 trucks. If you have a heavier V8 the actual lift height should be even less. The reason for this is the spring is a one-size-fits-all part number that they sell for use with the smaller engines. There is no way the same spring will lift a light 4-cylinder equipped truck the same amount as a 5.9L V8 equipped truck.
For the money a 1.5" spacer is more likely to suit your needs. It's cheaper and will work with all engine configurations.
If you are willing to run the risk of purchasing what might not be the correct spring V8 owners can try running the V6 and 4-cylinder 3" spring to achieve closer to 2" inches of actual lift. I don't support this and don't have enough hard data to report which 3" spring lifts the V8 equipped trucks 2" inches - Fabtech might be able to help you with this but I doubt it.
Jeff @ PLC
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Christopher
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2003
01:39:55
| RE: 2
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I think he's right
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Traumer
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2003
11:47:49
| RE: 2
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I remember reading something about that a while back, but had kind of forgotten about it. Makes sense though.
Jeff, I'm glad you posted, I was about to send you an email directly inquring about your take on the Fabtech 2" vs. 1.5" coil spacers when I checked in again.
I've tried to read most of the posts related to coil spacers and it sounds like the biggest complaints are being closer to the upper bump stop and loss of downward travel.
Read your post on why the sum is greater than the part (2"=3"). Care to take a crack at quickly summarizing the basic overall impact / performance of adding coil spacers... Loss of travel, wear n tear, performance issues, etc...
Not looking for you to kill 1/2 hour of your time, just an general overview from the expert...
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conig
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2003
12:17:07
| RE: 2
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THE 2 INCH SPACERS GIVE 3 INCHES OF HEIGHT I DON'T KNOW WHY BUT THE MORE THE BETTER SO I'M NOT COMPLAINING I DON'T KNOW ANYONE WITH THE 1.5 BUT IT SHOULD GIVE 2-2.5 BASED ON WHAT THE 2'S GIVE SO YOU SHOULD BE FINE BASICALLY THE SAME HEIGHT AS THE 2 FABTECH.
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Jeff @ PLC
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2003
13:43:19
| Spacers & Springs
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I think the first thing I should do is clarify the 2" lift spacer terminology. When I type " 2-inch lift spacer" I am actually referring to a 1.5" thick spacer that provides 2" inches of lift when it is installed.
The next thing that needs attention is the simple fact that each and every truck that rolls off the assembly line will have a slight variance. I've seen enough lifts installed on GM, Dodge, Ford, Toyota, and Jeep vehicles to know that in some cases the tolerances can vary enough to mean the difference between GO and NO GO. In the case of the Dakota you have some 1997 model year trucks that have been on the road long enough that the front springs have lost some of their height. Then you have the variance in cab and engine/transmission weight. Someone with the 4-cylinder will have a different spring than someone with the 5.9. Now you throw in the 4.7 and the 4-door short box trucks and you've just mixed up the pot even more. Customers hate it when I tell them that their truck may or may not peg on the rebound stops - they tell me if I really knew my stuff I'd have a "real answer" for them. I can tell you in complete honesty that there are too many variables to give you a 100% perfect answer... but I'll try.
The Fabtech 2" spring has one part number - meaning they offer just the one set of 2" springs. Now try to understand the different weight combinations out there... now think about the weight difference between a stripped model standard cab 4-cylinder Dakota and the SLT 4-Door V8 with all features. It would be crazy to think that the same spring could provide 2" inches of lift in both. In my opinion the 2" lift spring is a shot in the dark for any owner because each truck is different. With a 1.5" thick 2" lift spring spacer the weight of the truck doesn't matter - the spacer will provide it's specified lift regardless of engine, cab, aftermarket front bumpers, or other variances that normally affect vehicle ride height.
In another post I provided a simple demonstration that everyone at home could do to see why a 2" thick spacer will provide closer to 3" inches of lift. It is in my opinion that raising the front of the Dakota 3" inches will in most cases cause the vehicle ride to suffer. I've tried a few things on my own Dakota and I can tell you that with a 2" thick spacer providing 3" inches of spring lift the ride sucked. It would top out on darn near every good bump in the road and really sounded terrible going over speed bumps. The reduction in rebound travel means your suspension can no longer absorb the energy because the shock doesn't have enough time to slow things down anymore. That energy then quickly gets absorbed when the suspension tops out and hits the rebound stops with a big THUD!
Wear are tear... The ball-joint wear and tear will increase slightly due to the angle created by the install of either spacer... and unless you really drive the truck hard off-road the working life expectancy shouldn't be reduced enough to cause alarm or require any additional work. If you really give your truck hell in the dirt I'd recommend a new upper arm with an aftermarket bolt-in ball-joint. I've driven my Dakota harder than most and have the scars to prove it. The front engine crossmember is seriously dented and the rear frame rails are starting to twist inward - so I can say that the Dakota front suspension (including ball-joints) are pretty strong.
If you want max lift run the 2" thick spacer and raise the truck 3" inches. The ride will suffer quite a bit in almost all trucks. If your truck is older and the spring has lost some height your ride will be better than the other guy with a new truck and fresh springs. If your Dakota is brand new and you install the 2" thick 3" lift spacer the ride might be unbearable. Again, this all depends on the truck, on the roads, and it depends on your BUTT. If you are used to driving a truck the harsh ride might not bother you at all. If you sold the family station wagon to buy the Dakota you might hate the ride enough to yank the spacers out and then tell everyone on every Dakota board how lift spacers are the devil.
Look around these boards - some guys say they've installed the spacers with no problems and the ride is still OK... others feel the opposite. That's variance folks.
Jeff @ PLC
www.PerformanceLifts.com
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Traumer
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2003
17:22:34
| RE: 2
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Thanks Jeff, your insight is greatly appreciated and that was the exact kind of thing I was looking for.
(And everyone says this board has gone down hill... There's some life in her yet I tell ya.)
FWIW, I have an 01 Quad Cab 2wd with the 4.7 I've added the 3" PA body lift and Dueler AT Revo LT265/75/16 tires. When I combine turning / braking and a dip at the same time I have a VERY slight rub. Could easily be fixed with some minor trimming. I was looking at the 2"fabtech or 1.5"(2") coil spring spacers as a possible alternative. (Why trim when you can go a little higher) Also, I've read on this board that the 2" of lift works well for leveling and you don't need to adjust the back. Although I'm fairly level right now, so I'm a little unsure about this. For an assortment of reasons, I don't plan on doing the 3" fabtech. At least not a couple of years. And contrary to Bajadak, mine aren't brass, so I don't stomach modifications well. (Did the body lift myself but lost some sleep the night before)
Long story short, don't need to be sky high and don't plan on jumping but do a lot of camping, back road driving, etc... Trim or 1.5" coil spacers... decisions, decisions...
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rivermaniac
Dodge Dakota
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2/13/2003
00:23:48
| RE: 2
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I'm like you traumer only backward , I did the fabtech 3" but not sure about the body lift , what do you think ???????
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lilblackdak
Dodge Dakota
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2/13/2003
13:27:00
| RE: 2
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is there a realiable place to get an uppper a-arm that i can use for some lift in my 95 dak?
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Badassmp
GenIII
2/13/2003
20:03:12
| RE: 2
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Got my stuff today. Gotta love central4wd.com
They were very friendly and prompt. Hey even the stuff they had to drop ship from Fabtech got here today as well. In only 6 days!!! Body lift going on tomorrow, and I will take photos of the install. Hopefully I can upload them tomorrow nite. Talk to you later.
Mike
The best defense is to kill everyone else!
2000 Quad Cab Sport 2WD , 3.9L, 5spd
Bridgestone Dueler AT Revo 31x10.5s, ARE Fiberglass Cap,
AND ON THE WAY : PA 3" Body Lift, Fabtech 2" Lift Coil Springs,
Fabtech add-a-leafs
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Traumer
Dodge Dakota
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2/14/2003
12:11:09
| RE: 2
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rivermaniac,
Now that it is complete, I'm very happy with the body lift. I'm sure you've read the endless debates about frame rail, gaps, steering issues, etc... and as with any argument, there are elements of truth on both sides. I should write up a summary of my experience and post as a new topic and on the "body lift resolve". But in summary:
Frame rails do show some. It doesn't bother me and I could leave as is, but I'll probably customize some brackets and add nerf bars for a cleaner look
Steering feels just like stock, but in my case the knuckle hit the engine mount when the extension was added so I chose to flip the shaft and put the spacer by the firewall. Others trimmed either the knuckle or motor mount.
No problems at all utilizing all provided brackets for both front and back bumpers
Alright, let me throw a complete review together and put on the board.
For all I know, I'm not even answering the question...
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Badassmp
GenIII
2/15/2003
14:07:58
| RE: 2
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Well, I just fininshed the install of my body lift and I love it. You really can't see the frame rails.....at least they don't scream at you to look at them. I had no problems with the steering knuckle, or my shifter (I have a 5 speed). The only real glitch was when I cut my left thumb unbolting one of the bed bolts. (six stitches later I finished the job) Overall it went smooth and only took about 8 hours with a break for lunch and a trip to the hospital for the above mentioned stitches. I will post pics tonite.
Mike
The best defense is to kill everyone else!
2000 Quad Cab Sport 2WD , 3.9L, 5spd
Bridgestone Dueler AT Revo 31x10.5s, ARE Fiberglass Cap,
AND ON THE WAY : PA 3" Body Lift, Fabtech 2" Lift Coil Springs,
Fabtech add-a-leafs
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justa4x2
Dodge Dakota
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2/15/2003
17:16:03
| RE: 2
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Message:
badassmp-the bodylift makes the dak look so much better with those tires. i have the bodylift and 31" mudders and get compliments all of the time. i am thinking about the 2" coils because of the labor. when you doo this install, can you tell me how it went and if it was worth the money. oh, why the add-a-leafs? just curious.
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Badassmp
GenIII
2/15/2003
17:20:20
| RE: 2
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I think I am going to get rid of the add a leafs. I like the way the truck looks now and I think I will like it even more once it is leveled out. Probably next weekend for the coil spring install, mostly due to the six stitches in my hand right now....and go figure I am right handed. Oh well those are the breaks.
Mike
The best defense is to kill everyone else!
2000 Quad Cab Sport 2WD , 3.9L, 5spd
Bridgestone Dueler AT Revo 31x10.5s, ARE Fiberglass Cap,
3"PA Body Lift
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jam0o0
Dodge Dakota
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2/15/2003
19:30:13
| RE: 2
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Message:
ok
so i got a 02 quad cab with the 4.7 L, 4x2
i don't like the body lift on my friend's yucon
but i think that a body lift will leave the truck more stable than a suspention lift
so how much should a body lift cost
and should i do it (i'm 17) or should i pay for it to be installed?
thanks
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Badassmp
GenIII
2/15/2003
19:35:28
| RE: 2
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I say you should do it yourself, Idid it in one day with a basic set of metric/standard sockets, and open end wrenches. You can get the lift from centra4wd.com for 175, that is the group buy price from this web site. Ask for "RC". If you want pics of the lift on a dak go to my profile and view mine, I just posted pics of the wheelwells, side frame rail and complete body shots.
Mike
The best defense is to kill everyone else!
2000 Quad Cab Sport 2WD , 3.9L, 5spd
Bridgestone Dueler AT Revo 31x10.5s, ARE Fiberglass Cap,
3"PA Body Lift
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jam0o0
Dodge Dakota
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2/15/2003
20:05:57
| RE: 2
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thanks badassmp
yea i got a big garage an a few friends how have done things like this before so i think i'll do it myself
thanks for the info
no if i can just get that paycheck.................
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NBC
Dodge Dakota
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2/16/2003
14:11:24
| RE: 2
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After reading everyones input on body and suspension lifts I think I'll go ahead with the 2" suspension lift. Has anyone had to trim their wheel wells to get the 15x7 rims with 3.75" back spacing and 30/9.50R15 tires?
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Frank Gandt
Dodge Dakota
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2/19/2003
22:09:25
| RE: 2
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Hey BADASSMP when you get the 2inch coil done tell me how big of tires you can fit with that 3 inch body combined with it
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Badassmp
GenIII
2/20/2003
14:36:55
| RE: 2
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It will be awhile before I get new tires as I just bought a new set of 31x10.5 Revos
Mike
"Looks like you boys are going to be surrounded."
"Lieutenant, we are paratroopers. We're supposed to be surrounded."
2000 Quad Cab Sport 2WD , 3.9L, 5spd
Bridgestone Dueler AT Revo 31x10.5s, ARE Fiberglass Cap,
3" PA Body Lift, Smittybilt nerf bars
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Badassmp
GenIII
2/21/2003
17:54:34
| RE: 2
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I had 255/65R15 Goodyear LSs on there. The ones that came with the handling package. They had a diameter of about 28". I like the look of the 31s. Right now I sit at about what a stock 4x4 sits at.
"Looks like you boys are going to be surrounded."
"Lieutenant, we are paratroopers. We're supposed to be surrounded."
2000 Quad Cab Sport 2WD , 3.9L, 5spd
Bridgestone Dueler AT Revo 31x10.5s, ARE Fiberglass Cap,
3" PA Body Lift, Smittybilt nerf bars
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