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Raised / Lifted Dakotas
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aarkayna
Dodge Dakota
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7/29/2004
23:20:03

Subject: Want to do this right
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Alright here is my current setup:
2001 Dodge Dakota SLT Quad Cab 4x4, all stock.

I am looking into doing a lift and increase my tire size with
something more agressive for off road driving. I have read about
Body Lifts, Suspension lifts, new rims and various tire sets.
However, all this information is spread out across a number of
forums and hard to piece it all together. What I am hoping is to
get some help working out the total package for this truck in a
sungle thread.

Some considerations for what I want:
I know that there is a differnece between what a man wants and
what he needs on his truck. I want to make sure I don't hurt my
ability for me to get around the city too bad. I live right in the
heart of Seattle so if the truck becomes impossible to get around
regular city streets, thats not good. I'm not expecting "nimble", I
just don't want it to get drastically worse then how stock
performs. Also, since I live in Seattle, there will be a fair amount
of pavement driving on hills, so any tires that are exceptionally
prone to slipping on wet pavement is just out out out. After
all,... it does rain so often here! Also, I would prefer to go to a
shop and have someone else do the work. Not that I can't, I can
be fairly handy with a wrench when I want to but for this job, I'd
rather pay someone else to make damn sure it's done right the
first time. I am not afraid of spending some money, but I also
am not loaded. So keeping it real is a priority.

I was thinking a 3" suspension lift. No body lift, as it sounds like
if I do the supension lift, the body lift is only going to really help
entry and exit angle for extreme off-roading and I don't think I
will need that. I also don't like the look of seeing the frame out
from under the body. Yes, I know, function of appearance some
may say,... Regarding the tires, I want something aggressive,
something very functional for off road driving I just want it to be
safe in the wet city. I would like them to be larger then whats on
there now and perhaps wider as well.

So lets break it down to two things.
1. Lift: What kit? Who can I get to do it? What should I expect to
pay for it?
2. Tires & Riims: With the lift kit from step 1, what's the limit on
what I can fit without rubbing anywhere.

I want it sweet, I want it aggressive, I want it right, and I want it
clean. Picky son of a b****, I know, but I know what I want, I just
don't know how to get it there.

Thanks,
Jason



DakHunter
Dodge Dakota
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7/30/2004
13:51:09

RE: Want to do this right
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You're looking at a couple hundred bucks to do a body lift versus maybe 1500+ for the suspension lift... The Rancho suspension lift is the only option you have on newer 4x4 Dakota's and it's not a cheap lift.

Or if you got big bucks you could go solid axle conversion...



forexfour
GenIII
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7/30/2004
19:07:51

RE: Want to do this right
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Sounds to me like you want to do it right like I did. You have to realize that the Dakota does not really have to many options in the aftermarket.

I agree with allot of what you said. Going up in height and out on customs rims is trouble if you wheel, in my opinion.

Rancho is the way to go lifting it but you will need to stay on stock rims and stay with a narrower tire. I did not see you mention you wanted to go with a wider tire.

I run stock rims on the Rancho lift with 33x10.5x15. Most all trucks will rub with anything larger than 10.5 tires no matter whether you body lift or suspension lift. If you use custom rims to prevent the inevitable frame rub all you are doing is moving the rubbing you will have out to the fender and trimming will be needed.

My recommendation from your post is go with the suspension lift from Rancho stay on stock rims and go with a 33x10.5 BFG AT. They seem to be a pretty good on and off road tire that most like there aggressive look and the way they perform. I think they will hold the wet ground good to but the Tirerack.com may show you a comparision of all tires and you may find a different tire less aggressive looking but better wet road rated to go with.

Crank the Rancho to 4" and do an add a leaf and you will prolly like the out come.

Check my site if you want to see how I use my truck. A list of all my mods is on the off road forum at need opinions if you would like to see all I have done to mine.

Chris





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