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Off Road
FromMessage
Jason
Unregistered
 Email

2/19/2001
23:59:11

Subject: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
Hi. I am really interested in getting a Dodge Dakota, I'm used to Toyotas but would like the added room and power. The only problem I see is that I can't find a lift for the first generation Dakotas. All I want is a mild 2" to 3" complete suspension lift kit (not a body lift). Does anyone know a manufacturer who makes a lift for these guys? What about engine mods for the carb'ed 3.9 V6?
Thanks.
Jason



Walt_Felix
GenI
 Email User Profile

2/23/2001
15:28:19

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
With an '88 Dakota, your choices are very limited. No one markets a suspension lift for 87-90 Dakotas. However there are a few body lift kits available for under $200. Trailmaster does market a 4” suspension lift for 91-96 Dakotas that can be adapted to fit an ’88. I have installed it on my ’88 Sport. However, it is a major undertaking and will also require replacing the steering knuckles, lower control arms, brake calipers and more right down to the banjo bolts, with parts from a 91 Dakota. When completed, I had over $5000 invested in the project. Even a body lift has a few issues during installation. You can also crank the front torsion bars for an extra inch of so in the front. Check out http://www.walt-n-ingrid.com/myplans.html for details of the installation of the body and suspension lift kits on my Dakota as well as information on cranking the torsion bars. If you decide to take on such a project, plan on replacing everything.


Walt-n-Ingrid's Dakota





Walt Felix
88½ Dakota Sport 4x4
http://WWW.Walt-n-Ingrid.COM

Walt_Felix
GenI
 Email User Profile

2/24/2001
09:51:26

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
Damn Yahoo-GeoCities. I can no longer link directly to images on my own website. Time for a new host!


Walt-n-Ingrid's Dakota




Walt Felix
88½ Dakota Sport 4x4
http://WWW.Walt-n-Ingrid.COM

Danny Boy
Gen I
 Email User Profile

3/16/2001
23:59:21

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
Walt Do you think this will work for my 89 dakota 4x4? I,ve been looking for a really long time and couldnt find anything because like you said theres nothing out there. But i would really like to put a lift on my truck and your system seems to be the only way ill get one on. I went to your web page and saw your plans for the v8 swap i think im gonna try to swap a 5.9 with my 3.9 this summer ill let you know how it turns out. Like what you have done with the truck.

Thanx Dan



Danny Boy
Gen I
 Email User Profile

3/17/2001
00:00:23

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
Walt Do you think this will work for my 89 dakota 4x4? I,ve been looking for a really long time and couldnt find anything because like you said theres nothing out there. But i would really like to put a lift on my truck and your system seems to be the only way ill get one on. I went to your web page and saw your plans for the v8 swap i think im gonna try to swap a 5.9 with my 3.9 this summer ill let you know how it turns out. Like what you have done with the truck.

Thanx Dan



Walt_Felix
GenI
 Email User Profile

3/17/2001
16:53:59

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
Dan,
Your '89 has the same suspension as my '88 had so you should be able to do the same. Just be ready to shell out some bucks. Like I have said before, if you plan on doing it, spend the extra cash and replace everything while you have it apart. I'll save you alot of trouble later on.


Walt-n-Ingrid's '88 Dakota Sport





Walt Felix
88½ Dakota Sport 4x4
http://WWW.Walt-n-Ingrid.COM

87Dakota
Mechanic
 Email User Profile

4/08/2001
22:35:23

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
I found a place for gen I dakota suspension lifts for a reasonable price. It's in the new 4Wheeler offroad magazine, I can't find mine right now. It's somewhere in one of the ads they have in there.

Nick

1987 Dakota 3.9L, 3 speed, 220,000 miles

walt_felix
GenI
 Email User Profile

4/11/2001
11:39:24

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
As I said before, in the 7 or 8 years I've owned my ‘88 Dakota, I have not been able to find a manufacturer who markets a suspension lift for an ‘87-’90 4x4 Dakota. I know there is one kit for the 2wd (I believe by Rancho), but not the 4x4. I researched this for years before adapting a ‘91-’96 Trailmaster kit to my ‘88. I looked through my copy of 4Wheeler yesterday and did not see the one you mention.

Walt-n-Ingrid's Dakota





Walt Felix
88½ Dakota Sport 4x4
http://WWW.Walt-n-Ingrid.COM

Ryan Kane
Unregistered


5/13/2001
13:42:08

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
You can always lift your early Dakota using my methodology: crank your front torsion bars, lifting your Dak up 2", you will then need to add a 1" spacer in the rear axle, and add BF Goodrich A/T KO's 31x10.5" tires. You will also need to install a 2" body lift so the tires can fit under there. This increased my cab height by 6" and my suspension travel by almost 5". This is much more cost effective and doesnt require huge modifications to your truck. I think Walt has great advice, but my budget doesnt allow all of that and I don't care for straight axles. I prefer the IFS because of the offroading that I do.

Here is my website for further instructions and engine mods:

http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Desert/1727/DodgeDakota.html



Andy DeAngelo
Dodge Dakota
 Email

11/29/2001
14:58:53

87'Dakota suspension lift?
IP: Logged

Message:
Where in the hell can I find a suspension lift for my 87' dakota? I can find one anywhere.



TigerDak
Dodge Dakota


11/29/2001
16:47:23

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
Sorry Andy. There arent any. Dodge just didnt sell enough of those trucks to make it worthwhile by the 4x4 lift companies. I have cranked the front torsion bars up 1.5", added a 2" body lift, and put on 31" BF Goodrich tires. That has given me some extra ground clearance by about 3-4". I went from 6" of clearance on the front end to 10" after all this. After one year and 20,000 miles, havent had any front end problems (that I'm aware of). Looks awesome and cost pennies. Make sure you get an alignment after all of this.



Jeremy
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

1/30/2003
23:50:31

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
I am not sure about the suspension lift job but I know first hand about putting a small block v8 (318)in a once 88 Dakota 4 cylinder 5 speed 2wd.
That was after we through a summit racing cam and lifters and some other better than stock items.




Andy Caudill
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

3/27/2003
18:35:58

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
i have a 89 dak.
i want a lift so i can put some big wheels(33/1250r15 w/15x10rims) on it.
i am thinking about a 3" lift and 2" Add-A-leaf.
Walt, ryan, jeremy or anyone who can help, i need some advice. Thanks. Andy




Andy Caudill
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

3/27/2003
19:39:35

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
Walt, i was wondering if you would sell the old wheels and tires that you changed off of your dakota 4 the beadlocks. if so e mail me @ andy_be_phat@yahoo.com.
if not i understand. Andy



Walt Felix
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

3/31/2003
11:23:31

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
Sorry Andy, I’m keeping those for something else. I’ll keep my eyes open, if I come across another set I’ll let you know.

Walt Felix
Walt@Walt-n-Ingrid.COM
http://WWW.Walt-n-Ingrid.COM
http://WWW.MoparsinMotion.COM
http://WWW.CruiseNights.Info

Walt-n-Ingrid's ’88 DakotaWalt-n-Ingrid's ’96 DakotaWalt-n-Ingrid's RamWalt-n-Ingrid's Barracuda






Andy Caudill
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

3/31/2003
21:03:17

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
thanks anyways

i was wonering what type of diff cover, air kit, and exaust you have? you didnt list some of your mods or where you got them. im a fan of your web site, but i cant find anything to fit my truck.
i have orderd shocks add-a-leaf and 2"body lift from jc whitney but cant find anything any where.
also is your steering kinda funky? did you need a backspacing on your beadlocks? was the old 3.9 slow but strong? where did you get your tortion bars?
im kinda new at this but i wnt my truck to look tight like yours. so if you could help me i would be greatful.

ANDY



mud from suffolk
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

4/02/2003
10:22:46

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
I have an 89 dakota, i put a 3" body from trailmaster and 32x11.50 mud terrains on 15x10 inch rock crawlers. It took a few hours to get the 32's to clear, after a good while of using an angle grinder on the fender i got frustrated and broke out the stihl saw. this made pretty quick work of it. And after some filling with body putty you hardly vcan notice i did anything, but now the tires fit. The people who put the lift on advised for no bigger than 31's on 8" rims and i just couldn't settle for that.




RaGuS
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

4/03/2003
23:22:16

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
Hey do you have Pics???



Brent88
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
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4/04/2003
00:13:52

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
Hey mud Mudd, if you do have any pics id like to see those too. later



Jeremy
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

4/06/2003
09:56:23

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
I have a new food for thought remember I have the 88 d Dakota had a 2.2 w/5 speed. Now is the beholder of a summit made over 318.
This truck is definately a sleeper.

But, the trick know is to put this 1958 354 Hemi I came across in this Dakota!

HHMMMM Very Interresting.
I imagine that I will be working on this for the next 3 months in my spare time.

OPEN TO COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS.




Brent88
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

4/07/2003
00:17:35

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
duuuhhhhhhhhhh (droooool):P Thats all i got to say man. Oh yeah... Got any pics?



Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

4/07/2003
17:50:01

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
hey mud guy with 32x11.50s. lets see some picts man. Im gonna be doing a bit more trimming this summer and need some ideas. Please post.
Joe E.



mud from suffolk
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

4/09/2003
17:20:48

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
ummmmmm. for yall askin, i have a some pics but i'm not quite sure how to post them?



Brent88
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

4/09/2003
20:25:05

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
uh... how bout sending them to us via-email.


robertsgroup@narrows.com



RaGuS
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

4/09/2003
22:41:22

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
I Have to see this......



Jeremy
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

4/10/2003
23:09:53

hemi pics
IP: Logged

Message:
Brent88
no pics yet.
but I am working on gettin some of the attention needing 354hemi and my 88 sleeper Dakota.
My truck needs some body work but I do all the work myself and between working on atv's and ect. I haven't had the time yet.




mud from suffolk
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

4/11/2003
01:38:31

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
give me a day or two on the pics, i'll be outta town all weekend and i have to get the dig camera back. but i sh*t you not (bout the 32"x12.50 m/t on the 15x10 with only 3" body). It gives a nice wide look, the footprint on my truck is actually a good bit wider than that on my father's 98 f-150 , but i don't suggest it if you're tryin to look pretty, you hit a small puddle and the whole side of the truck will be nice and purty :-]



mud from suffolk
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


4/11/2003
01:39:37

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
*correction
32"x11.50



Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

4/12/2003
21:01:30

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
Hi again. Please send me some picts. I think that is what is driving me nuts about my truck. It has height. Its taller than my best rineds 85 scrambler thats lifted and runs 33x12.50s. But its the 31x10.50s on 15x7 in that looks so small on it. I am thinking about trying to get some 31x12.50s with some fender trimming. Well see.
My email is joelliott82@hotmail.com
please shoot me picts too.
Joe E.



Jake Williamson
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
 Email

4/17/2003
17:03:16

RE: supension mod to my 88' 2x4 dakota
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Message:
Im am looking to to set my dakota up like a pre runner but i cant find any one who sells anything for a 2 wheel drive dakota is there somebody outthere or will i have to make it a custome job

Jake



Mudrunner
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE


4/20/2003
03:01:16

RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged

Message:
I dont remember hearing you say your truck is 4wd so here are 2 suspension lift kits for a 2wd. also, think about the coil spacers, they might be your way to go http://www.truckn-store.com/product_list.asp?id=1227



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