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Steve-0
Dodge Dakota
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9/12/2009
12:04:08
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 Subject: question on a body lift for a '96
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Message:
So I'v been thinking about doing a 2" body lift on
my 1996 4X4 318 Dak to put on bigger tires. What
issues might i face when installing this? Is there
anything that needs to be replaced, changed, or
modded in any way? And how difficult would it be?
Thanks.
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other bill
Dodge Dakota
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9/15/2009
12:02:41
|  RE: question on a body lift for a '96
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Message:
Read the directions. Even if you have someone else do the work, I REPEAT...READ THE DIRECTIONS. That way you will have a good idea of what they are supposed to be doing and will know right away if they messed something up. Not everyone is 'born to wrench', and that's okay. But it is good to know how things work and what it should look like when done.
Here is the laundry list. Not too hard, and all of it is addressed in the kit directions.
-Spare tire winch tube (where you lower the spare). Tube will rub in the frame where it passes through.
-Gas filler neck must be loosened and extended. (rubber hose and clamps)
-Fan shroud must have the lower portion removed (cut out) to allow for fan clearance. Some have done it while installed. I removed mine to do it. Had to pull the fan to get it out the 1st time. When re-installing it for fit test, I had the fan back in. (easier)
-transmission lines at radiator might need to be 'tweeked' down to ensure clearance of fan blade tips. Rotate the fan by hand before starting to see how much clearance you have. Mine has also come in to 'light contact' when I have gotten it rather twisted on the trail.
-Brake lines at proportioning valve (on drivers inner fender below master cylinder) will need some of the bends starightened. May need to 'tweek' the proportioning valve bracket down too to get the extra length. I did this by using an adjustable wrench (cresent) on the bracket itself.
-Shift rod on the engine side of the fire wall will either need to be lengthened (will need to be cut and have piece welded in, piece included in the kit) or straighten some of the bend out of it. The latter will work, but you will likely be a little off on the indicator in the dash.
-Transfer case shifter will need to be lengthened. Kit may come with this piece. Some have used a threaded sleeve picked up from Lowes/ Home Depot/ etc. They can be found in the nuts-bolts-fasteners section. I welded severaal nuts together, ground them smooth...basically the same thing. You need to pop the center out of the shifter knob, then you will see a nut. Removing the nut and knob exposes the threaded shaft.
-Both bumpers (should) be raised/ remounted to get rid of the unsightly gap that raising the body will produce. This requires drilling a couple new holes in the frame, but aesthetically it is well worth the effort. Again, instructions provided in the directions.
Did I forget any pitfalls?...Anybody?
If you know your way around a tool box. This is not hard to do yourself. Just follow the directions...step-by-step! That way you don't damage something in the process.
Good luck.
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Josh
Dodge Dakota
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9/15/2009
21:54:06
| RE: question on a body lift for a '96
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Message:
What about the steering intermediate shaft?
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other bill
Dodge Dakota
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9/23/2009
11:54:26
| RE: question on a body lift for a '96
IP: Logged
Message:
There is nothing to do on a steering shaft of a GEN II. They have a slip yoke/ joint (has a rubber boot over it...below the master brake cylinder). Pop your hood and take a look.
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