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JW
Dodge Dakota
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9/23/2003
15:45:45
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 Subject: Body Lift Question
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I have read so many posts on Body Lifts for Dakotas but, I haven't seen any with my year and model. I have a 2000 Dakota Sport Plus, V8 Ext Cab - 4.7 5 Speed 4x4. I want to get the Performance Assc. 3" Body lift and put 33 10.50 15 on my stock rims or 33 12.50 15's (not sure about rubbing b/c I've read different posts about they rub but not enough to do anything). I'm getting the BFG ATA's. I never lifted a truck so I'm not sure what I'm getting into. Is there any welding required? Do I have to extend my shifter for the 4x4 shifter or my 5 speed shifter? Is the steering extension hard? Is there anything I need to be carefull with? Also I have dual Exhaust out the back already. The bumper brackets should lower my bumper to make my exhaust look ok. I don't want my exhaust to look like it is hangin lower. Also, do you have to lift the entire body at once or just the spacers and sections that you are lifting one at a time? What about brake hoses, etc.??? Any information would be greatly appreciated. I found the lift for 225.00 but the cheapest 4x4 shop wanted 525.00 to install it.?
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Fred
Dodge Dakota
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9/23/2003
17:09:59
| RE: Body Lift Question
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4wheelparts.com has your lift for 196.00.
Shouldn't cost more than 400 to have a shop put the lift on.
All your other questions can be anwered using the search function. I guarantee it.
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GreenDakCC
Dodge Dakota
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9/23/2003
20:25:45
| RE: Body Lift Question
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The lift is really easy, as for the 4wd shifter you do have to extend it but I don't know about the transmission shifter. Some guys will tell you that all you have to do is weld and bend and a bunch of crap like that. Not everyone has a welder and you may have to pay someone to do it. That is what the instructions say but you can do it with a piece of all-thread and a coupler nut. The steering extension was very simple on mine but some can be a little difficult. For the brake lines you will just unhook them from the brakets and then keep checking them as you lift the truck. The only other hose that I can remember taking off is the fuel filler hose. You don't lift the whole truck at one time. You will loosen all the bolts for your cab mounts and then pull out the bolts on one side lift it get the bolts started and then do the same to the other side. I think that your exhaust will end up hanging lower like you don't want but I'm sure someone knows how to fix it. The most important thing is to take your time and read the instructions, it's not that hard and you'll be glad you saved the $525. Try Summit, that's where I got my lift $169.
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JW
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2003
08:50:29
| RE: Body Lift Question
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Thanks GreenDakCC,
I talked with an Off Road Shop and why I'm really concerned is they said if I get the Perf Assc. 3 in lift. I will not have to weld the 4x4 shifter or my trans shifter. He said that it just lowers the shifter enough that it isn't a big deal. He said that is why he suggests that kit. When I search this site I see a bunch of posts about extending the shifter--so I"m really confused and was hoping that someone that had a 5 speed with the 4X4 Shifter on the floor can give me the real scoop. I guess worse case is dive in and see what happens.
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GreenDakCC
Dodge Dakota
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9/24/2003
16:47:41
| RE: Body Lift Question
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I checked into it and what was told to me was that he is right about the 5 speed shifter just going shorter but the 4 wheel drive shifter on the floor will have to be extended. The kit will tell you to weld and bend. What I did and a lot of other guys on here did is get a piece of all-thread (I think 5/8" but I could be wrong). Then get a coupler nut the same size and some Lock Tight. Take the shifter knob off the 4wd shifter and then put the lock tight on the threads on the end of your shifter and put the coupler nut on. Then cut the all-thread to the desired length (probably 3") and put lock tight on it and thread it into the other end of the coupler nut. Then put you shifter boot back on, put your knob on and you'll never even see the all-thread in there. Hopefully that makes the part you're most confused about the easiest part of all.
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John Chamness
Dodge Dakota
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10/02/2003
09:57:30
| RE: Body Lift Question
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I installed a three inch body lift on my 97 2wd. I have a 5 Speed manual and i had to bend the shifter back because it hit on the plastic where the ashtray is. Clearance at the floor is okay, but i couldn't stand the knocking of my shifter against the plastic. I can't help you on the 4wd shifter, but I hope this is useful
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Dean
Dodge Dakota
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10/02/2003
13:24:16
| RE: Body Lift Question
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I have a 99 4x4 5 speed and the 4x4 shifter worked just fine after the 3" body lift was installed, no problems with the other shifter either. My dual exhaust was 3" lower than the rear bumper but the muffler shop was able to modify that pretty cheap. It took me 4 hours to install the body lift with the help of just one other person. piece of cake actually...not worth the 500. the shops want to do it. Had a ground wire that was on the passenger side that went from the firewall to the header that had to be lengthened and it was not called out in the instruction manual.
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JW
Dodge Dakota
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10/02/2003
13:33:09
| RE: Body Lift Question
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I have the instructions. Perf Asscee. mailed them to me. The instructions say that you have to weld and lengthen the transfer case shift linkage. it says scribe a line along the transfer case linkage rod and cut linkage into 2 pieces through the line. and then tack weld two kit bed overload spaces on the frame? This is what I'm not sure of because the 4x4 shop told be there is no welding ????
THanks for the reply.
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Dean
Dodge Dakota
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10/02/2003
13:43:55
| RE: Body Lift Question
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Message:
The 4x4 shifter will be 3" lower as opposed to where it is now but you will still be able to engage 4 wheel drive. Mine comes real close to hitting the backside of the floor cut out when shifting into 4lo. but I think the extension is a preference not a must. Not much change from '99 to '2000. I believe they sell extenders to where installation would be simple. The 4x4 shop here said it wasn't a must to have it extended but to have the shifter back to factory height off the floor it would have to be extended but as long as it works its fine with me.
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4x4x4dr
GenIII
10/08/2003
23:00:10
| RE: Body Lift Question
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I had and still have problems with the transfer case linkage. Go to this thread to see a drawing and read about it - http://www.dodgedakota.net/boards/raise/1788.html. Basically the solution that PA gives in the instructions did not work for me and the only way that I know to fix it is to extend the shift lever, not the linkage on the bottom side. And what I mean by extend is cut and weld in an extension. I've yet to get this done, but should be fixing it this weekend. If you want detailed pics, let me know and I'll send them to you.
~Tracy
'00 4x4 SLT QC 4.7 Auto 3.55LSD *My Dak Pics*
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