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will
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2002
00:31:29
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 Subject: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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what is better for off roading? what is cheaper? are body lifts even good for off roading?
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bowhunter
Dodge Dakota
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12/20/2002
23:38:37
|  RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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i have never had a body lift, but i have a 3" suspension
lift in my 98. compared to the stock setup, it is
awesome!! the ride is 10 times better. i found the stock
suspension very weak. 3 sets of shocks after only
30000 km's. there seems to be a bit more travel, and
the set up is more durable, down side, EXPENSIVE!!!
around $3200 canadian installed.
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1KEWLDAK
Dodge Dakota
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12/20/2002
23:56:30
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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if you are going for cheaper ,there is the body lift solution...i have been off roading many times since my lift,theres been no problems. you dont really change any of the suspension components!therefore nothing really is affected when off roading ,and for 200 dollars it is definetely affordable!
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TallQuad
Dodge Dakota
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12/23/2002
11:45:29
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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Message:
Dude, body lift all the way!! Much cheaper and less problems.
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stealwings582
GenIII
12/23/2002
17:32:17
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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I have both and the suspension lift looks better and it's made for off roading, I'd go with the suspension lift. Body lifts are nice too, it's just that you do end up with a somewhat decent suspension that'll take to the mud and rocks better than the stock suspension.
Wouldn't want any other!
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Dodgechick
Dodge Dakota
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8/05/2003
21:10:17
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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Message:
what is the difference between a body lift and a suspension lift?
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exkotaman
Dodge Dakota
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8/05/2003
21:18:57
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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A suspension lift leaves the body to frame mounting the same. The additional "clearance" arises from the increase distance from the frame to the axles (i.e. when vehicle at rest). The geometry for the drivetrain & steering will be altered.
A body lift has spacers which are inserted between the frame and body. There is no net increase in ground clearance (w/ the same tires before/after body lift). The geometry of the drivetrain / steering is not affected.
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JES
Dodge Dakota
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8/06/2003
11:32:00
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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I think I'm missing something. I've been debating the suspension lift vs the body lift for my '02 QC, and I think I've settled on the body lift. Here's my reasoning -- the suspension lift doesn't change the spring rates or front end travel (just moves existing parts around) ... you gain no travel and don't have a stiffer or stouter suspension system. Also, since the body lift is lifting only the body, and the suspension lift raises the body AND frame, you retain a lower center of gravity with a body lift versus a suspension lift, which can only be a good thing. For both a suspension and body lift, the only clearance you are gaining is from the increased tire size (in my case, 305/70R16 on stock rims). If anyone can offer any reasons why I should go with a suspension lift over a body, I would love to hear them (price is not an issue, purely functionality). With my Ranger, it was a no-brainer, I gained 3" of travel and got a stouter suspension (via larger/heavier coil springs -- it was a TTB on a 94), but with the Dakota, the nod seems to go to the body lift. Thanks in advance for your help and insight.
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other bill
Dodge Dakota
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8/06/2003
11:49:57
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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If money/ price is not an issue, then go with BOTH!! It's 4 wheel drive, bigger is better (to a degree). You have plenty of room to grow. Even with a 4" suspension, 2" body, and 33" tires I am just getting to where I am comfortable with the height. Put the body lift on. In a few months you'll want to add the suspension lift (and it will be just a little easier, because you will have created a little more room to work). Mark my words. I have yet to meet someone who does not want a "bigger" rig.
Somebody take his soap box please.......
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JES
Dodge Dakota
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8/06/2003
13:58:06
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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Message:
Ya, I know what u mean 'other bill', but I think I'm gonna stay pretty mild with this truck, as it is my daily driver. If I build it up big, I know I'm gonna end up out in the woods with it. I'm building a 4x4 Cage Buggy for exactly that -- the Dak will be the towing/rescue vehicle, so I only need a tiny bit of aggressiveness. Thanks for the insights/opinions -- much appreciated.
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forexfour
GenIII
8/06/2003
15:44:22
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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The Suspension lift will give you more ground clearance and a highly improved ride. Center of gravity is no concern, I get more side ways now and feel more comfortable than when at stock height. The ball joint relocation does suck. You do get off road performance. The lock is much better.
The only things that bug me about the Body lift is the gaps and frame showing. I know the gap gaurds help some but no additional ground clearance only what you get from the larger tires.
I think it is really how you want you truck to look. If Frame showing does not bother you and you get the gap gaurds you will be happy with that. Plus nerf bars do help. Lotta cash to go Suspension but only worth it if you are gonna use it.
I am thinking of adding a body lift but 3" is to much and I dont think I will like the result.
I am adding a leaf hopefully Thursday to get the back end higher than the front. Strangly enough the back has sagged not the front. Must be the stiffer torsion bars, plus I have about 1.5" of thread left to crank.
Chris
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home
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JES
Dodge Dakota
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8/07/2003
12:39:34
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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forexfour - How does the suspension lift improve the ride? Does the Rancho kit come with new springs? I was under the impression that they just used the same leaf springs and torsion bars, just relocated them; in which case, the ride would remain primarily the same. Maybe the ride characteristics are altered mostly by the new shocks? Also, the additional 'clearance' that is gained by a suspension lift over a body lift is only between your skid plates (connected to your frame) and the ground, as opposed to the lowest point, the axles, which is not affected by either a body or suspension lift? The tires being the only thing that can actually affect an increase of clearance between your axle and the ground.
Thanks for the feedback on the center of gravity issue. Wasn't an issue with my Ranger either, but it came with all new springs in the kit. Glad to hear this isn't an issue with the Dakota.
I don't really have any idea why I'm stuck on this ... I'll probably end up getting both anyway .... oh well.
http://photos.yahoo.com/jes_96
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forexfour
GenIII
8/07/2003
17:33:08
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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Message:
Its prolly just the shocks and stronger torsion bars that improved the ride for me. You do gain more clearance which helps more for high centering. You are right about the axle clearance only tire size will increase that.
A body lift is by far the best and cheapest way to just fit larger tires. You will scrafice appearance more in my opinion that is all.
You will have a hard time running 12.5 wide tires with the suspension lift as well.
I by far do not think the suspension lift is for everyone. But it really looks good. It wheels great. The front wheel travel seems better in my opinion. The ride feels more solid.
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home
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JES
Dodge Dakota
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8/08/2003
09:16:28
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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forexfour -- does the Rancho kit come with stronger torsion bars? If not, what did u use? Or were they custom? I'd really like to go that direction when I put the suspension lift on. I think I'm gonna wait a little while to see if a reputable company comes out with a 4.5" suspension lift ... if not, I'm gonna go with the Rancho 3" Susp and the PA 3" body w/ 305/70R16 tires on the stock rims (I actually like these rims -- unlike the Ford I had ... they were nasty). Thanks for the info ... it's been a big help.
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forexfour
GenIII
8/08/2003
13:05:15
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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I have the V-6 so I upgraded to the V-8 torsion bars. They are much stronger and about .25" larger around.
I agree a 4.5 inch lift would be good but I was not gonna throw my money to AIM / Truckin and hope for the best.
I will say though the new torsion bars bolts and bracket do give a lot more threading to raise the front.
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home
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Osyrus
Dodge Dakota
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8/19/2003
00:04:46
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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What about the Tuff Country 5.5 inch susp lift?
Any thoughts on this?
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brad
Dodge Dakota
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8/19/2003
03:54:42
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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Just put in an add a leaf in my 03 QC. Picked up 2" in the back and I was only able to get 1.5" in the front from cranking the torsion bars to a comfortable level. I still have a fingers width to the top bump stop. Ride is fine. Maybe a little stiffer but I found my truck too soft anyway.
It looks like I will still only be able to clear 265/75's but I was hoping for 285's. With some triming of the front lower valence I think 285's will fit but I don't think I am ready to hack up my new truck. Now I have to decide whether to put in a body lift and if the lift and 285's will effect my warranty. Anyone know?
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wade
Dodge Dakota
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8/25/2003
16:36:16
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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i also have a 03 quad cab, and im going the route of the body lift in a 3" method, for lots of reasons, 1 easily instaled, 2 easily taken off (case of major factory work) no major modifications, 3 retain factory ride ect, 4 money, 5 im not about to take a 03 deep in the woods, so no need for high performance suspension set up.
now im very new to the whole 4 wheel drive scean, but i have done major modifications to 2wd, and to cars, and i am just not gonna do all those mods to a brand new truck if i can get the same looks for less $$$$
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malmdude
Dodge Dakota
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8/25/2003
19:34:17
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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"i also have a 03 quad cab, and im going the route of the body lift in a 3" method, for lots of reasons, 1 easily instaled, 2 easily taken off (case of major factory work) no major modifications, 3 retain factory ride ect,"
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I'm not meaning to bash you Wade,but first off you are correct about the body lift being the cheapest way to go!
But.....A suspension lift actually improves your ride,(unless it's a coil spacer lift) A body lift would not be easily removed.....you have to diconnect all of the bolts which already have loctite on them....remove the steering extension,remove the brackets,blah blah blah,jack up the truck ,pull the blocks then tightening all of the original spacers bolts,wich I hope you remembered to save!!
A suspension lift is the best way to go,(If you choose the right one)! The reason I want to bring this to your attention is becaus,I went the body lift route....and I regret it! I added a 3" Performance Accesories body lift to my truck,I had problem after problem with my steering afterwards...slop in the wheel,popping when you hit a bump,etc.etc.etc! I don't think you really want to experience this on a new truck!
TAKE OR LEAVE MY ADVICE.....I AM JUST TRYING TO HELP!
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Dakowner
Dodge Dakota
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8/25/2003
19:56:19
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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Exactly how does a suspension lift improve your ride , when all IFS susp. lifts just use drop down brackets to lower all of your stock suspension components?
BTW... I`ve had a body lift on mine for over a year now with zero problems , and I`ve had a combo. of body and suspension lifts on every other truck I`ve owned and never had any issues with any body lift.
I`m not knocking suspension lifts...I`m just saying not all body lifts are prone to problems , and if someone out there would make a reliable 6 in. susp. kit for us I`d be all over it for the extra height , but I wouldn`t expect it to ride better , only look better.
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wade
Dodge Dakota
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8/25/2003
20:21:17
| RE: body lift Vs. suspension lift
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Message:
so are you guys contradicting yourselves?
most of the post above these say a body lift is ok and good to use......aside from the steering problem mentioned, are there anyother problems?
the one i ordered is the trailmaster kit, and it says that there is a steering linkage extension in the kit
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