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Raised / Lifted Dakotas
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jason stratto
Dodge Dakota
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11/29/2002
03:54:49
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 Subject: Best way to gain ground clearance?
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I am getting a 2wd 97 Dakota extended cab and I know I will want to gain more ground clearance from stock [and this is STOCK]. I am not looking for major off road capabilities, as I would want a 4wd for that, and I don't see myself going down rough dirt roads really fast either. It will be a means to get to hiking, camping or mountain biking [maybe dirtbiking also] locations. I like the look of lifted trucks, but not enough to want a lifted one unless it gives me more ground clearance. Similarly, I like those wide tires, but prefer a narrower one for the logging roads and the replacement cost. This upgrade/date will not be designed to improve the looks, but to make it work a bit better for my desires. I am sure the looks will improve in the process, but that will just be gravy on top.
So, what do I need to do to gain the maximum ground clearance without spending a fortune? I am assuming the only way to do this is taller tires, and I am further assuming that requires at least a body lift, but am I right? ANY and all feedback you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I HAVE read the posts about lifts [body and suspension], but they don't answer my needs as they seem to focus upon either getting the truck as tall as possible or upon the 4wd utility. I will probably be driving slowly down the roads, so the ability to eat huge bumps at high speeds is lost on me. I just don't want the axles to catch on rocks or logs. I've torn off the exhaust heat sheild on my Civic camping on dirt roads and driving through streamcrossings or across the prarie. I want to avoid as much of that as possible. IF a body lift will meet my needs [and stock won't], how much higher off the ground can I get the axle with a 3" instead of a 2"? Thanks for any and all advice again.
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Knobbyman
*GenIII*
11/29/2002
11:49:09
| RE: Best way to gain ground clearance?
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Message:
To gain GROUND clearance you need larger tires.. Period. Because your axles aren't going to move no matter what lift you get. Luckely you can get better travel in your suspension. Personally in your case I'd go w/ the Fabtech suspension lift that way you get your aproach and departure angles up abit more. But if your not doing any major logs & stuff and aren't worried about the frame catching on anything I'd stick w/ the 3" body lift. Either way you'll be able to run 31" tires. If you wanted to run 33" tires.. You'll need both the body lift & the suspension lift.
-www.knobbyman.com
-Sold '01 Dakota
-'02 Cougar Stock
----Mud Only Breaks It Faster----
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arthur
Dodge Dakota
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11/29/2002
13:48:05
| RE: Best way to gain ground clearance?
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Message:
Ditto.
I can understand you not wanting to get anything to ruin your ride, but if you really want the clearance, 31" tires will lift your rear axle by about 1", and the 3" fabtech with 31" tires will give you about 4" extra ground clearance over the cab and not leave any frame to get things caught on. Plus you get new shocks too.
Personally, i think the 2WD with only the 3" Body lift looks kinda weird. Go suspension lift all the way on this one. Expect a slightly harsher ride, especially with add-a-leafs in the rear, but you get your ground clearance and a way nicer looking truck. With the lift look into some 31"X10.50" all-terrains or muds, i suggest BF Goodrich, i love their tires.
Also, i believe you have to get some new rims with different back-spacing for the fabtech lift. The whole thing will cost you some real cash, but still only a fraction of what it costs to install the 3" rancho lift on a 4X4.
If you go to a shop and they do all the work for you, you can probably figure a $1700 bill for the lift, install, rims, and tires. Better than the $3000-$4000 we 4X4s pay for our lifts, rims, and tires.
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rivermaniac
Dodge Dakota
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11/29/2002
17:57:16
| RE: Best way to gain ground clearance?
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I have a 2wd lifted what arthur said is pretty much in line , the price is more like 2000 to 2300 for the whole thing , also I don't agree with the harsher ride comment , and not from the addleafs , I have rancho 9000 shocks in the rear and the ride is a little stiffer than stock ..... A friend has a tahoe and another a tacoma prerunner , my truck has a better ride than both ....................
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