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Airborne
Dodge Dakota
9/13/2001
17:10:39
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 Subject: Body lift?
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Message:
Hey out there?
I have a '98 Dak 4X4, and have been trying to figure out how to lift it without spending a small fortune. As I am reading the message boards I think I am reading them right. Are you all saying out there that a 3" body lift id the best way to go? What brand seems the most complete for us Dak owners? I have installed body lifts in the past, but on Fords. I am planning on the 33" tires and 16" rims, but any info on the Body lift and necessary modifications will help greatly. Like the fan shroud and the steering hardware. Do the kits come with bumper brackets?
Sorry for all the questions, but isn't this what this is for?
Thanks again.
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Blizzard
*GenIII*
9/13/2001
17:30:43
|  RE: Body lift?
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Message:
There are others on the board who are better to answer your question, but yes a 3" body lift is probably the cheapest way to get some bigger tires under your truck. Peformance Accessories makes a kit that comes complete with everything, including bumper relocating brackets and parts to mod your steering/xfer case linkages. Price is around $180.
Hawkeye, Viper, and MikeC, for three, have this kit installed on their trucks right now. My kit is going on next Tuesday. Depending on how "off road" you go will be the deciding factor on whether or not you want 33" tires with a 3" lift. Hawkeye will tell you there is SOME trimming to be done to remove rubbing with 33's. I opted to go with 32" tires until a susp lift comes out, just cuz I go offroad on the sand dunes and don't want ANY consequences of rubbing.
Good luck!
'01 QC 4x4
5.9L, 3.92 LSD, loaded
www.geocities.com/blizzzzard69
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Airborne
Dodge Dakota
9/13/2001
18:04:35
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks for the prompt response. So, what you're saying is that the 3" body lift and 32's are probably the best route to go? Are you all going to 16" rims or just keeping the 15" ones? My "off roading" is kept to a minimum, but I do go a bit in the southern AZ area, so the "cutting" and "tweeking" are not something I am really looking at doing.
I have been doing most of my on-line shopping at truckperformance.com, but am always looking at the "better deal". Am I to assume the word on the street is the Goodyear AT's for the tires?
Thanks again for the help,
God Bless America!
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Blizzard
*GenIII*
9/13/2001
22:12:14
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
I based my decision on 32" tires on the experience of a reputable offroad shop here in Michigan. He runs 2 trucks on the Silver Lake dunes and said 33" tires on a Dakota or Durango with a 3" body lift will not work well in that situation (without trimming, cutting, or hacking). With moderate offroad driving you might be able to swing 33's. Hawkeye, you can jump in here anytime! (He's the one with 33's & 3" body lift)
The word on MY street says BFG All-Terrain's for your basic, all-around, on/off road tire. I've ran them on both my 4x4's for the past 10 years. The ONLY reason I'm going to give Mickey Thompson's a try is the fact that BFG has a problem standing behind their tires when you "air down" for the sand. I don't know what the other manufactuer's warranty policies are, but M/T will back their tires, even if aired down.
Good luck with your decisions!
'01 QC 4x4
5.9L, 3.92 LSD, loaded
www.geocities.com/blizzzzard69
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Blizzard
*GenIII*
9/13/2001
22:17:21
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Oh ... and I'm going with 15x8" wheels. 32x12.50" tires.
And, absolutely, GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
'01 QC 4x4
5.9L, 3.92 LSD, loaded
www.geocities.com/blizzzzard69
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Airborne
Dodge Dakota
9/14/2001
00:53:09
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Well, now that I have that under control, I need to get to ordering! I went to the Performance Accessories web site and did find the application for my dak, but was unable to find the price. You did say it was about $180, right?
I think I will take your advice and go with the 32"s on an aggressive rim. Blizzard, you did say you are doing your lift next week, right? Hope you can post some pics so I can see what it does to the truck. You have a nice looking Dakota already, though.
I will be sticking around this web site for quite a while. Seems like good advice and good people as well. Thanks.
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Doch80
Dodge Dakota
9/14/2001
01:22:42
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Airborne,
Hawkeye has some pictures of his truck with the lift on it already. Find the post "Pictures" under the offroad cat... I think that has his site addr on it. He also talks all about it in "The Journey Begins" You will find out everything you'll need to know...
Doch80
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Viper
Gen III
9/14/2001
03:24:20
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Airborne,I have the Performance Acc. 3 inch lift on my 2000 QC,this kit is very simple to instal.You can do it by yourself but it is better to have help.The kit was 183.00 and it comes with everthing you need.Hawk has the lift also and we love the way it made the trucks look,he lives down the road from me and I can tell the 33s are awsome on the Daks,but they do require very minor and I do mean minor trimming to the inner feder plastic.Right now Im running 32s but that will change after the first of the year,then I'll go with 33 Pro Comps.The 32s look great but I just want 33s.Anyway hope that helps ya out.
2000 Quad,4x4,32x1150s,3.92,4.7 Intense Blue
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Blizzard
*GenIII*
9/14/2001
06:25:51
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
I guess it would depend on what brand tire you decide to go with too. Some 33's "really" measure closer to 32. I'd still like to see Hawk duplicate what he had going on the other day when he was rubbing bad and see if the final trim took care of it. There are some pretty mean whoopdeedoo's (how's that for a word?) at SilverLake from time to time and I didn't wanna risk any chance of rubbing.
<---- looking forward to Viper's pics too!
'01 QC 4x4
5.9L, 3.92 LSD, loaded
www.geocities.com/blizzzzard69
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Hawkeye
*GenIII*
9/14/2001
08:57:25
|  RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Sorry for not posting sooner. Couldnt get on the forum last night for some reason. I didnt have to trim a lot from te front bumper but I think after doing Vipers the other day, that there is enough room for adjustment in front bumper bolts to completly eliminate any problem. Also, as most know, every tire company's tire's are not all the same size. They may have the same thing on te side wall but actual measurments can vary. I think my X-Terrains are a bit wider in the tread area than some. Airborne, you could go wit the lift, 16x8 rims and some 285x75x16 (33x11.50) tires would be fine. You could even go with 305x70x16 (33x12.50). Fixing to do a post on my little experience yesterday afternoon.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
33x12.50 Pro Comp X-T's
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Airborne
Dodge Dakota
9/14/2001
18:02:29
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey guys,
Thanks for the info. It sure does spread some light on the situation compared to what I was going to do in the first place. Not to mention, a lot more $$$ effective. I will take a few before and after pics so I can post like the rest of you all (makes me look more official, too).
By the way, do all of you live in Florida? I feel so displaced out here in Phoenix.
I think I will order the kit this weekend, if they are open. A friend of mine can get American rims at cost, so the next venture is what style I like with the dak. I already have a K&N filter in it and am thinking about a throttle body spacer. Any one try that yet?
One more thing, where did you all get the "off road" and 4X4 stickers for your daks? Mine is a '98, so unless its a newer option, I haven't seen any around these parts.
Thanks again,
And one more message to bin Laden:
"You don't know my people, you don't know what were capable of and you don't know what you started. But you're about to learn"!
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Hawkeye
*GenIII*
9/14/2001
18:11:03
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
I had a local graphics guy make mine. Ditto the message to Osama and anyone else the shoe may fit on.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
33x12.50 Pro Comp X-T's
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rEID tARDO
Dodge Dakota
9/14/2001
18:13:41
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Dont feel so bad. your not alone in phoenix
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Mac10
Dodge Dakota
9/14/2001
19:44:54
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Airborne, I live in Tucson. It seems that very soon I will be installing the 3" body lift.
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TallQuad
Dodge Dakota
9/14/2001
20:22:28
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
I live in Phoenix.
I just ordered my 2002 QC today and I will also be putting a 3" body lift along with a 3" Fabtech lift (its a 4x2).
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Airborne
Dodge Dakota
9/18/2001
18:54:08
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Just wanted to keep all those concerned that I did in fact order the 3" body lift from Desert Rat here in Tucson. The total there was $208.00. I called Performance Accessories themselves and they said they don't sell to the general public and refered me there (Desert Rat).
I had to sit there and argue with Desert Rat about the price because if I had it shipped to my address, it would have cost me $20 less than if I go and pick it up at their "showroom". They did finally let me have it for the mail order price, but I was wondering where you all got it for so much cheaper ($183.00).
I am going to put it on this weekend (God willing and I don't go to Afganistan) and hope my brother (my help) can figure out what is the difference between a wrench and a hammer. He is a big guy (plays football for Arizona State) but I don't think he ever took automotive shop in school.
Oh yea, and I have to help him pull the rear struts off his car (rusted nut on the housing).
Wish me luck. Tell me they do supply a way to lower the fan shroud with the truck!!!
Thanks for the helpfull insight with this whole mess i've gotten myself into!!
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Airborne
Dodge Dakota
9/18/2001
18:56:02
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Just wanted to keep all those concerned that I did in fact order the 3" body lift from Desert Rat here in Tucson. The total there was $208.00. I called Performance Accessories themselves and they said they don't sell to the general public and refered me there (Desert Rat).
I had to sit there and argue with Desert Rat about the price because if I had it shipped to my address, it would have cost me $20 less than if I go and pick it up at their "showroom". They did finally let me have it for the mail order price, but I was wondering where you all got it for so much cheaper ($183.00).
I am going to put it on this weekend (God willing and I don't go to Afganistan) and hope my brother (my help) can figure out what is the difference between a wrench and a hammer. He is a big guy (plays football for Arizona State) but I don't think he ever took automotive shop in school.
Oh yea, and I have to help him pull the rear struts off his car (rusted nut on the housing).
Wish me luck. Tell me they do supply a way to lower the fan shroud with the truck!!!
Thanks for the helpfull insight with this whole mess i've gotten myself into!!
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Airborne
Dodge Dakota
9/18/2001
19:00:56
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Just wanted to keep all those concerned that I did in fact order the 3" body lift from Desert Rat here in Tucson. The total there was $208.00. I called Performance Accessories themselves and they said they don't sell to the general public and refered me there (Desert Rat).
I had to sit there and argue with Desert Rat about the price because if I had it shipped to my address, it would have cost me $20 less than if I go and pick it up at their "showroom". They did finally let me have it for the mail order price, but I was wondering where you all got it for so much cheaper ($183.00).
I am going to put it on this weekend (God willing and I don't go to Afganistan) and hope my brother (my help) can figure out what is the difference between a wrench and a hammer. He is a big guy (plays football for Arizona State) but I don't think he ever took automotive shop in school.
Oh yea, and I have to help him pull the rear struts off his car (rusted nut on the housing).
Wish me luck. Tell me they do supply a way to lower the fan shroud with the truck!!!
Thanks for the helpfull insight with this whole mess i've gotten myself into!!
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Hawkeye
*GenIII*
9/18/2001
19:14:52
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
The kit has everything you'll need. On the 2000's with the 4.7 the fan shrowd doesnt get lowered, you just trim it a little. Dont know about the 98's. Just follow the instructions EXACTLY. Good luck and as I have told everyone else, take lots of pictures. Oh yeah, the $183 was from 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers. By the time you add in tax here, it was right at $200 as well.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
33x12.50 Pro Comp X-T's
http://johnammons.tripod.com/home.html
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TallQuad
Dodge Dakota
9/18/2001
19:22:52
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey Airborne, I know what your talking about when you're dealing with Desert Rat. When I was going to the UofA, I would buy parts for my Jeep there (at the "showroom") ONLY because I did't want to wait for it in the mail. I've had bad experinces with the Desert Rat in Tucson.
I live in Phoenix now and the Desert Rat here is much better, but there are also a TON of other places to go to for parts up here. You'll have to let us know how the lift goes, i'm putting mine on next month! Haven't checked prices in Phx yet, I'll let everyone know once I do. I have a 2002 QC so I hope there is a body lift that fits!!
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Blizzard
*GenIII*
9/18/2001
20:52:19
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
I'd bet the 2000 kit will fit your '02, TallQuad. That's what Perf Access told me to get for my '01. Doubt they changed any.
Best of luck in your lift, Airborne.
'01 QC 4x4
5.9L, 3.92 LSD, loaded
www.geocities.com/blizzzzard69
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Brian A
Dodge Dakota
9/19/2001
15:07:49
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey, for everyone that has installed the body lift, do you think I could do it with one other person? Also how long did it take you? Did you warranty become voided? Thanks Brian
Like the trucks Hawkeye and Blizzard
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Dakota
Dodge Dakota
9/19/2001
16:10:07
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
I did it by myself...with the factory scissor jack. Took me 7 hours..using hand tools. None of that air tool crap....LOL.
As for warranty.....What warranty?? What is that? I never got one, since I got mine used.
-Dakota
Http://dakota2.4mg.com
3" Body Lift
Fabtech Pre-Runner Bar
Stage 2 Jet Chip
Quick D Intake
Dynomax Exhaust
Strobes...
MUCH MORE!!!!
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Blizzard
*GenIII*
9/19/2001
17:24:10
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
I'm not gonna fart around with the install myself. Scared I'd screw something up, not to mention the fact I don't have enuff jack stands, floor jacks, or tools to give me the comfort level I want. Just gonna bite the bullet and get it done right by someone who does it for a living!
I wouldn't worry too much about the warranty thing. The body lift won't put any more wear and tear on parts other than the added weight of the larger tires ... you're not affecting driveshaft angles or anything ... and they have to PROVE that the parts you put on caused a failure.
Thanks Brian! Looking forward to pics of YOUR lifted Dak soon.
'01 QC 4x4
5.9L, 3.92 LSD, loaded
www.geocities.com/blizzzzard69
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Knobbyman
Dodge Dakota
9/23/2001
10:45:09
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Real simple question.. For those of you that did the body lift your selves.. What tools did u need to do it, becides what came in the kit. ex. Jacks, Jackstands, wrenches, Dodge Dakota.. blah blah blah.. sorry it's to early to be awake on a Sunday.. Let alone be working.
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Hawkeye
*GenIII*
9/23/2001
11:13:34
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
A good set of American and metric sockets, Torque wrench, Good set of American and metric wrenches, Jack stands, floor jack, some blocks of wood, 2 gallons of gatorade, clean bucket to drain radiator fluid in if you have a 4.7, and another set of hands. I put jack stands under the front and rear axles, and then took the tires off and layed them on their sides under the hubs just for extra protection should it fall. The main sockets and wrenches I needed were 10, 11, 15, 18, & 19 mm, and 1/2 & 5/8 inch. A couple of socket extensions will be helpful as well. You dont want to over tighten the body mount bolts. The instructions and in my emails with Perf. Acc. both say to torque them to 55 ft lbs. Use Gatorade as needed. Be patient and take your time, making sure to read and follow ALL the directions. Another set of eyes and hands is invaluable.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
33x12.50 Pro Comp X-T's
http://johnammons.tripod.com/home.html
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Knobbyman
Dodge Dakota
9/23/2001
11:18:26
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Got the wrenches.. Got the Floor Jacks.. Just stoped @ Sams for the Gatorade I think I have the 2 gallons over covered & luckelly I helped a friend move down so now I have 8 hands to work with this.. Just need a torque wrench & some Jack stands.. Hurm.. Sounds like X-Mas presents again.. and to think only 3 months away.
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Hawkeye
*GenIII*
9/23/2001
11:27:40
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
The jacks stands are optional. Its just a little easier to do with the tires off. You can do it with them on. See if someone has a torque wrench you can borrow and your in business. 1 other thing. A 1-2 ft long piece of pipe that you can slip over your ratchet handle for leverage will be helpful as some of the bed bolts are put on with about a pint of locktight on each one.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
33x12.50 Pro Comp X-T's
http://johnammons.tripod.com/home.html
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Knobbyman
Dodge Dakota
9/23/2001
11:31:29
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
One more thing I forgot to ask.. Do you have pictures of the process of installing the lift? Not before/after .. but durring? That would be nice.
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Hawkeye
*GenIII*
9/23/2001
11:37:18
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
I dont know if I do or not. I have one more roll of film to get developed and I know they are all pics of the truck after the lift but I cant remember if I had any of the install or not. I was going to take a bunch until I realized that the roll of film in the camera was almost finished. I had to scrounge up this 2nd roll so I dont know. As soon as its developed I'll let you know. I only have 1 and its of the back bumper after I tool it off. Email me and I'll send it to you.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
33x12.50 Pro Comp X-T's
http://johnammons.tripod.com/home.html
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Dakota
Dodge Dakota
9/23/2001
12:58:33
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
I have photos. Not of the whole thing.. but throughout the proccess i took some. Get them here...
http://dakota2.4mg.com/body_lift.htm
Hope it helps...
Oh..its for a 98, 318....so if its different, some MINOR things might be differnt, but all in all there the same.
--Dakota
Http://dakota2.4mg.com
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Knobbyman
Dodge Dakota
9/23/2001
13:49:56
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Seems Easy enough ... Hawkeye did u do your about the same? except put the whole thing on floor jacks & take the wheels off?
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Hawkeye
*GenIII*
9/23/2001
14:06:31
| RE: Body lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Yeap. The 4.7 has a little different fan shroud etc, but the same process other wise.
'00 QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
33x12.50 Pro Comp X-T's
http://johnammons.tripod.com/home.html
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