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arthur
Dodge Dakota
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5/15/2002
20:18:00
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 Subject: Body Lift Resolve
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Ok, I have been checking the posts back some months to try and answer all my questions...and i think i got most the answers so i just want to state a few things and see if i got everything right.
1. The electric transfer cases that i have in my 2002 ext 4X4 doesn't require any welding for the shaft.
2. Minor trimming with 3" performance accesories lift and 305(33") on 16" stock rims.
3. All parts needed for the lift are included in the package.
4. If you have wrenching skills, you can do it yourself. I've worked at a shop for a year, and me and some friends just installed a custom Tera-Flex 4" kit on a 2000 Jeep Wrangler, so we got tools and skills.
5. Any suggestions or tips or anything at all that might caught me by surprise that you want to warn me about would be great.
Ok, that should be it, if i think of anything else...i'll check with you all.
And go easy...i know you guys hate it when questions are asked over and over...but it is my truck, and i want to make sure it's done right.
2002 Dakota 4X4 Ext - 3.9L - 3.55 - auto
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Hawkeye
*GenIII*
5/15/2002
21:40:26
|  RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Sounds like you pretty much have it covered.
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Knobbyman
*GenIII*
5/16/2002
09:12:51
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
Things that are less talked about..
Gas tube, spare tire rod? I guess you'd call it, radiator hose, Steering linkage extension.
Anything else that is needed to be changed? I'm curious b/c I'm about to help someone put one on.
'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
4.5" Customized Suspension Lift
305x70x16 GoodYear MT/R's
http://www.knobbyman.com
----Speed only breaks stuff faster----
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Torque
Dodge Dakota
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5/16/2002
11:52:01
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
I know arthur has an auto...
How did you guys with a 5spd bend the gear shift? Is an extension included with the kit?
Does anyone still have the PA instructions they would be willing to scan in and post on their web site? Or if they would want to scan them in and email them to me, I'll post them on mine. I'm sure there are a few people that would like to look at them to draw up any additional questions they might have.
http://www.coloradodesigns.com/truck
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99Dak5.2L4x4
Dodge Dakota
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5/16/2002
12:10:16
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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I'm going to be putting my 3 inch body lift on this Saturday. I sure hope a few people will be around on this web site so I can ask questions if need be. I have an automatic so I think I pretty much understand everything I need to do.
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arthur
Dodge Dakota
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5/16/2002
15:44:32
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
Knobbyman brought up some good stuff...
I read that if your careful with gas tube...u'll be ok, i heard that from BJLindsey.
I'm also interested to hear what is said about the spare tire rod, steering linkage and radiator hose.
I'm figuring the radiator hose should fit the same, but i have no idea about the steering linkage and and spare tire rod...but i'm guessing the only really difficult thin you be the steering linkage.
Thanks everyone...and keep on posting stuff about this...that way there will be one post that has all the answers people will look for so we don't have to answer all the same questions over and over again.
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durtydog
GenIII
5/16/2002
20:27:36
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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i have 98 cc 5.2 and i didnt have to do anything with the rad hose.guys with the 4.7 have to get a replacement.dont even open up the cooling system.
98 club cab sport 5.2 4x4 durtydog is done dirt cheap
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CANTONDAK
Dodge Dakota
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5/16/2002
21:41:31
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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The only thing i read about the radiator hose is that you should get the NAPA 21" universal hose. My biggest concern is with the other hoses, wires, and whatnot. The brake lines are attached to the axle, and the master cylinder is attached to the body (I think?), Isn't this a bit of a concern ? Some people seem to be relocating the fan shroud using the new brackets, and some seem to just leave it in place and trim it with a sawzall. What's the best method on that one ? I'm with aurthur, I know most of this has been covered, but now it's time to get down to the "fine" details for some of us non-mechanical rookies who don't want to mess up our $25,000 daks. I'm sure there are many of us newbies that would appreciate some of the finer points from you "VETRAN WRENCHES" who are already lifted.
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durtydog
GenIII
5/16/2002
22:04:36
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
no problem ask all the questions you want.
like i said dont worry about the hose with the 5.2.just watch the brake lines undo the ones in the directions (from the clips).i moved my fan shroud down and used the brackets.the lowerright hand side (pass side)bolt holder has to be cut off if its an automatic(because of the tranny lines)the lower cover i trimmed to get it back in where the piece goes up by the frame and rad support and i drilled holes in the lower shroud so the wirering harness clips will go into the shroud.
read the directios a few times before you start so you know whats in store for you.
98 club cab sport 5.2 4x4 durtydog is done dirt cheap
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Hawkeye
*GenIII*
5/17/2002
09:11:13
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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A lot of it depends on the year of the truck and what engine. Things are a bit diff betweem the 97-99's and the 00 +. Also different between the 00 + that have the 4.7 or the 5.9.
For example, On the 00 and newer, with the 4.7, the fac shroud is part of the radiator so there is no moving it, hencethe trimming.
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99Dak5.2L4x4
Dodge Dakota
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5/17/2002
09:22:53
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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I have an automatic 4x4 question. Is it really necessary to remove my center console? I can understand the 4x4 shifter but don't understand why I need to remove the center console.
Also, I also don't understand how the steering linkage extension is suppose to work ?? I need pictures because I'm a visual learner and I think directions the PA lift comes with pretty much suck for mechanically challenged folk like me.
any help is appreciated thanks,
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CANTONDAK
Dodge Dakota
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5/17/2002
09:42:29
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
Sorry, should have stated that in my first post. I have 2000 CC 4x4 4.7L. I understand, also, that there are differences in the transfer case shifter linkages from year to year and how the extension is welded on.
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Hawkeye
*GenIII*
5/17/2002
10:11:30
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
You dont have to do anything to your center console. Yours is fine. The 4x4 shifter extension is fairly simple. It is actually easier to understand once you physically look at it than it is to try and explain. Mind you, this info is regarding 2000 models only.
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bjlindsey
*GenIII*
5/17/2002
13:35:02
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
I have a 5.9L 2001 automatic. (2002 should be the same). Here are a couple tips that worked for me:
Went pretty well...coulda done a lot of stuff different....like the radiator shroud...coulda trimmed it with a sawzall while on the truck...woulda saved a good hour. No need to remove/change hoses or add extensions. When reinstalling the front bumper, I pulled it as far forward as I could to help w/ clearance, Maybe gained a half inch between the spacers and the bumper both being forward. Took the transfer case skid plastic off, but didn't need to due to electric shift T-Case...wasted 10 minutes on and off. Didn't care for how brake line bracket extension worked...but it worked.... but you MUST remove the lines from the clips before lifting. The brakeline bracket is a pain, but it works as advertised. Steering extension was pretty cool, very simple, if I woulda had better access to it. Just make sure the 'indents' for the bolts are in the right place. Make sure automatic tranny shift cable is routed correctly before you put steering shaft back together. Gas filler removal was a waste of time, no need to do this if you are careful. Spare tire winch was way easier than the way I did it!!!!! Drilled the hole for the crank way too low in the license plate mount. Scratched the cab a little lifting bed cuz you do it one side at a time. Bed can be lifted by hand if you want and have an extra set of hands. No real need to put rear end on jackstands, plenty of room under there to do what you need. Automatic tranny shifter cable bracket is kinda funky, you just have to 'rig' it. Other than that..not too bad. As of today, I STILL have done no trimming w/ my 305/70 - R16s on stock 16x8 wheels and they only rub on the frame on full lock turns. And as Durtydog says, just read the directions a few times, look over your truck for the parts/places described in the directions and double check everything before you actually 'lift'.
The right tools make a huge difference. Two sets of US and Metric sockets will go a long way if you have 2 people doing it. Don't forget the torque wrench. A long screwdriver to help line up the body mounts/3" spacers/body would be good. I used the heck out of my set of box end ratchet wrenches...well worth the money for this installation....wish I would have had 2 sets of those....lotsa places a ratchet/socket won't go very easily. Good luck!!!
01 QC 4x4 5.9L 3.92 LSD
3" Body Lift, 305/70-R16 XTerrains,
K&N clone, Clear Corners, Carbon Fiber Tails,
www.FreeGasForYou.com
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bjlindsey
*GenIII*
5/17/2002
13:42:33
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
IP: Logged
Message:
Here is the link to the Part numbers for Performance Accessories part numbers for the Dodge body lifts.
01 QC 4x4 5.9L 3.92 LSD
3" Body Lift, 305/70-R16 XTerrains,
K&N clone, Clear Corners, Carbon Fiber Tails,
www.FreeGasForYou.com
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Hawkeye
*GenIII*
5/17/2002
15:05:42
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
IP: Logged
Message:
Just to add to what BJ said. The 5.2 & 5.9's are a TOTALLY different setup than the 4.7. Radiator is different, hoses to the engine are different, etc. I still think for the novice, it is best to go EXACTLY by the instructions. They are written pretty good. I have done 3 of them on '00 Daks and I still do it "by the book". Just me.
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bjlindsey
*GenIII*
5/17/2002
15:17:44
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
Prolly good advice!!!!
01 QC 4x4 5.9L 3.92 LSD
3" Body Lift, 305/70-R16 XTerrains,
K&N clone, Clear Corners, Carbon Fiber Tails,
www.FreeGasForYou.com
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arthur
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/17/2002
16:03:38
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
That was a great little write up BJLindsey, everyone else that can write out similar experiences on Dakotas of any year and speck would be great so everyone can come to this post to find answers.
Again, the more that is written down about all the different dakotas the better, that way there is only one place to look when answers are need instead of a hundred smaller posts.
So anybody else...regardless of which year or set-up, feel free to explain your experiences.
Again...awesome write up BJ, and thanks for all the replies.
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bjlindsey
*GenIII*
5/18/2002
13:12:03
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
I'm trying to get the body lift instructions from P.A. in PDF format. I'm sure the pics would be far superior to the photocopied ones they send w/ the kits. They said they would send them, but they are in a file 40MB in size. Hey Knobby, could you (or anyone else for that matter) get these up on a site for peeps to view online....I don't have an account that will allow that much space. If so, I'll have them e-mail the .pdf file to you.
01 QC 4x4 5.9L 3.92 LSD
3" Body Lift, 305/70-R16 XTerrains,
K&N clone, Clear Corners, Carbon Fiber Tails,
www.FreeGasForYou.com
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Torque
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/18/2002
17:14:09
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
IP: Logged
Message:
I'd be willing to post them on my site, but I don't have enough room either. There has to be a way to make the document smaller than 40MB, so if you want to send me the file I'll see what I can do. Email me for instructions on how to get the file to me. (my email is limited to 5MB)
torque@underwear.lamar.colostate.edu
(remove underwear. to reply)
Thanks
http://www.coloradodesigns.com/truck
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4wDakota
GenIII
5/20/2002
09:40:29
|  RE: Body Lift Resolve
IP: Logged
Message:
Ok here's one for you guys.
I got my kit in and its sitting on my kitchen table. Waiting to put an electric fan in before the lift.
I've been reading over the instructions and have a few questions.
1) For the floor mounted 4x4 shifter and automatic trans. it says to remove the center console to get to the shifter. What is the best way around this. I was thinking about just removing the shifter completely from the transfer case to add the extension. What all is involved in removing it?
2) I've read that a couple of you guys couldn't figure out the instructions for the outside bumper mounts. I've read that some of you just drilled new holes in the frame to mount it. Has anyone figured out what the heck you're supposed to do to configure the outside mounts. I looked at them and read the directions multiple times and it still doesn't make a lot of sense.
Installing my 180 degree thermostat and new hoses this week along with a rear brake job. Then it'll be time for electric fan and lift!
98 CC 4x4, 5.2 Auto 3.55LSD
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THRASH1
Dodge Dakota
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5/20/2002
11:05:17
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
I did the 3in on my 98cc 4x4 v6 5speed about a month ago...
While waiting for the kit to come in the mail, I went under the truck and sprayed liqued wrench on all of the mounting bolts, next I loosened each one, to make sure none had rusted in place, then tightened them back up. I used a highlift jack to raise the body during install, and did it all myself. I took me about 7 hours to do the lift and about 2hrs to do the bumpers. The bumpers took so long because I got a new bracket design that was different then the one in the instructions. I will take I pic if someone needs it. The hardest part of the install was the steering extension. The instructions say to unbolr the shaft from the steering box and the shaft will slide into the firewall enough to slip in the extension. Not true.Mine only moved about an inch. I finally got it in, but it took about a hour. Looking at it now, it would have been easier to unbolt the steering box, then put it back on with the extension. I didn't remove my filler hose, I just watched it carefully while lifting. It is also hard to align the bed to the cab. I took a some plywood and used it to set the gap on each side. I tried bending my shifter, but after heating it up I still couldnt bend it. I have it installed, but I don't have the shiny boot on it, I will have someone weld an extension when I have time. For the 4x4 shifter, I got a coupling nut and 3in of threaded rod. It is working good, but I will have it welded when I get the shifter done. I took the whole spare tire assembly off because I couldn't fit a 33 in there. I am going to put a spare in the bed when I get a chance.
If anyone has any questions, or is unclear and needs a pic, feel free to ask.
THRASH1
98cc 4x4 3in boy lift, 2in rear block, 33 bfg mts, custom TB, glasspack
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bjlindsey
*GenIII*
5/20/2002
11:26:36
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
Mine didn't have the 'oputer' bumper before, so I figured it didn't need them after....spare parts!!!
01 QC 4x4 5.9L 3.92 LSD
3" Body Lift, 305/70-R16 XTerrains,
K&N clone, Clear Corners, Carbon Fiber Tails,
www.FreeGasForYou.com
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bjlindsey
*GenIII*
5/20/2002
20:31:38
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
IP: Logged
Message:
That's outer bumper brackets....w/o the beer!!!
01 QC 4x4 5.9L 3.92 LSD
3" Body Lift, 305/70-R16 XTerrains,
K&N clone, Clear Corners, Carbon Fiber Tails,
www.FreeGasForYou.com
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Torque
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/31/2002
22:33:12
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
BTT
Any additional info on 4.7L with 5spd anyone would care to share?
Any one making progress on getting the instructions in electronic form?
http://www.coloradodesigns.com/truck
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arthur
Dodge Dakota
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6/04/2002
20:05:41
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
Ok, i hopes of keeping this post alive, i'm sending this message so this post will return to the top and get more dakoters attention.
To try and spark some new life and maybe get some apposing opinions...I hear CaribbeanKota didn't like his body lift...want to comment CaribbeanKota?
Anybody else regret their body lifts?
i would just like to make sure anybody can get all there answers on body lifts from this site by making sure every question is addressed...so feel free to keep this post alive!
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CaribbeanKota
Dodge Dakota
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6/05/2002
11:07:18
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
The lift does what it is supposed to do, lift the body. I guess I am just picky and I do not like the frame exposure...If this bothers you save yourself the time and do not lift....all the other guys who like their lifts to each his own....Make no mistake you will see your frame after a 3" body lift then again, it might not be noticible to the average Joe on the street. I'll probably have a Body lift for sale here real soon CHEAP.....
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stealwings
Dodge Dakota
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6/06/2002
13:19:36
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
That's not good to hear. I have a 98 2wd with a 3" Fabtech kit. I love that kit but want more lift. Now I'm thinking of the 3" body. Read all the treads on it but now your depressing me. Does the lift show that much frame. Any pic's on this site to look at to get a good opinion? I was thinking of going with a 2" daystar spacer on the front and 2" shackle on the back. But I hear that it doesn't really give it 2 inches. Any other ideas out there for the 2wd folks. Thanks, Greg
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CaribbeanKota
Dodge Dakota
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6/07/2002
10:26:37
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
btt
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99Dak5.2L4x4
Dodge Dakota
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6/07/2002
17:43:16
| RE: Body Lift Resolve
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Message:
I have two things to add about the 3 inch body lift, by PA, that was put on my truck.
The 3inch 4x4 shifter extension was not long enough. The truck would not engage into 4x4 Lo or 4x4 neutral. A fabbed 4 inch extension (which I have is a little to tall) so a 3.75 inch extension would be right on the nose.
I had some rattle from the rear end, which ended up being the RSX Shock mounts not being tight enough. I guess with the added height of the bed it was moveing the rearend around a bit more causing some clunking noise. Tightened the bolts and I was good to go.
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