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98DakotaSLT
Dodge Dakota
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1/07/2003
18:06:38
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 Subject: Suspension Lift? Gears?
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Hey I'm kinda new to this and I was looking to put 33 inch BF Allterrain TA's on my 98 4x4 Dak. Also 15' American Eagle 589's- or somthin like that... What exactly do I need to do with my truck.. I know i need at least a 3 inch lift, but as for the gears, i am clueless!! Can someone help me out please!!!!! Thanks -Prices ould help too-
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Pete
Dodge Dakota
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1/07/2003
19:59:17
|  RE: Suspension Lift? Gears?
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Message:
With a 3" lift you shouldn't have a problem with your 33's. I have this setup un my Dakota and had a little bit of rubbing on the drivers side of the front bumper. Three full turns of the torsion bar bolts and it no longer rubs. You didn't say what axle ratio you have right now. A jump to 33's wont make that big of a difference anyway. You may notice a slight decrease in power, but not so bad you'll be dissapointed that you put your truck up. If you look in your glove box there will be a sticker that says on it the axle ratio that your truck has.
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98DakotaSLT
Dodge Dakota
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1/07/2003
20:52:26
|  RE: Suspension Lift? Gears?
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Message:
Thanks Pete,
I haven't gotten to look at the sticker yet in the glovebox, but its a 98 Dak SLT 5.2L if that means anything. but other than the lift, rims, tires and maybe the new gear ratio is there anything else i might need for it?
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98DakotaSLT
Dodge Dakota
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1/07/2003
20:52:27
| RE: Suspension Lift? Gears?
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Message:
Thanks Pete,
I haven't gotten to look at the sticker yet in the glovebox, but its a 98 Dak SLT 5.2L if that means anything. but other than the lift, rims, tires and maybe the new gear ratio is there anything else i might need for it?
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Pete
Dodge Dakota
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1/08/2003
14:45:02
| RE: Suspension Lift? Gears?
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Message:
The only other thing I can think of would be gap guards for your rear wheel wells. Once you lift your truck you will be able to see the area between the frame and the bed of your truck. It looks dumb, kinda chintsy. Check www.liftlips.com for customs, about $60. I went cheap, $12, and used some of that black plastic lawn edging from the hardware store. A little trimming and it looks great. Take care.
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98DakotaSLT
Dodge Dakota
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1/08/2003
19:06:06
| RE: Suspension Lift? Gears?
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Message:
Thanks alot Pete, I appreciate your help! Now the hard part, SPENDING THE MONEY! I'll be sure to send you a pic when its done!
Thanks Again!
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Dan Gruber
GenIII
1/08/2003
22:40:13
| RE: Suspension Lift? Gears?
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Message:
Different opinion on gears following...
I did a 3 inch body lift on my truck and switched from the stock 31 tires to 32 inch BFG MT-KM's. Before switching tires, I thought the gearing on my truck was borderline too tall (3.55's with the 45RFE automatic). After about 2 months of living with the larger tires and stock gears, I ordered 3.92's for the front and rear because the overall gearing became too tall in my opinion...truck was sluggish off the line and hunted for gears quite a bit between 45-60 mph. After swapping in the 3.92 gears, the hunting disappeared, the truck felt much stronger off the line, and the gas mileage penalty (1-1.5 mpg) was hardly noticable...probably caused by equal parts of larger & heavier wheels & tires, increased wind drag (due to the truck sitting 3 inches higher) and the tighter gearing.
I know people who have gone to 33's with the stock 3.55 gears and are perfectly happy with that setup. I wasn't, so I swapped. And I'm REALLY glad I did.
Dan
2000 CC SLT 4.7 4X4 Auto 3.92 LSD
3 inch Performance Accesories lift & 32 inch BFG MT KM's
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Pete
Dodge Dakota
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1/09/2003
20:57:05
| RE: Suspension Lift? Gears?
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Message:
Dan, I was hoping to see someone else's opinion on this. I personally think that all the V-8 trucks should come with the 3.92. I too, unfotunately, have the 3.55. A factory 3.92 would not only make the truck feel more powerful, but would help with towing. The only ill effects I noticed after I lifted my truck was a slight decrease in power and the tendency to downshift when climbing an overpass. I had wanted to do a gear change also but the 3.92 is the highest currently available for 2000-up Dakotas. That is not tall enough for me too justify the expense of putting it in. I have been pestering some of the gear manufacturers to put out a 4.56 for us. That would put the 4.7 at about 2600 RPM @ 70 MPH with 33's. That may seem a little high but it will more than cover any future lift/tire combo you may plan.
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97_blk_dak
GenIII
1/09/2003
23:12:33
| RE: Suspension Lift? Gears?
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Message:
Just curious Dan, How much were the 3.92 gears, installation and all. I think I am going to go ahead and spring for the lower gearing here in the next couple of months.
----------------------------------------------------
1997 5.2L 4X4 CC
PICS
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Dan Gruber
GenIII
1/10/2003
08:44:57
| RE: Suspension Lift? Gears?
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Message:
Gears are not cheap! Front and rear with the rebuild kits ran about $800 (subtract about $200 without the rebuild kits) from Randy's Ring & Pinion. Figure roughly $400 for install (a little less without the rebuild kit, maybe $300). Makes the factory $40 option look REALLY good!
Also remember that 97-99 Dakotas not only have more gear options, but the front gears will be less expensive because you're free to use aftermarket parts rather than Dodge factory parts...nobody makes front gears for the 2000 and newer Dakotas except Dodge, so you're stuck using their parts and paying their prices.
But even though it was expensive, it made a big difference in the responsiveness of the truck so it was worth it in my mind.
Dan
2000 CC SLT 4.7 4X4 Auto 3.92 LSD
3 inch Performance Accesories lift & 32 inch BFG MT KM's
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97_blk_dak
GenIII
1/10/2003
15:19:36
| RE: Suspension Lift? Gears?
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WOW! That's expensive. I guess I'll have to live with these 3.55's a little longer than I expected.
----------------------------------------------------
1997 5.2L 4X4 CC
PICS
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4wDakota
GenIII
1/10/2003
17:28:37
| RE: Suspension Lift? Gears?
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Message:
I was quoted $1250 for 4.10's and rebuild kits installed.
I'll be doing that in April (tax return)
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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