| From | Message |
Jason
Unregistered
2/19/2001
23:59:11
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 Subject: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
Hi. I am really interested in getting a Dodge Dakota, I'm used to Toyotas but would like the added room and power. The only problem I see is that I can't find a lift for the first generation Dakotas. All I want is a mild 2" to 3" complete suspension lift kit (not a body lift). Does anyone know a manufacturer who makes a lift for these guys? What about engine mods for the carb'ed 3.9 V6?
Thanks.
Jason
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Walt_Felix
GenI
2/23/2001
15:28:19
| RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
With an '88 Dakota, your choices are very limited. No one markets a suspension lift for 87-90 Dakotas. However there are a few body lift kits available for under $200. Trailmaster does market a 4” suspension lift for 91-96 Dakotas that can be adapted to fit an ’88. I have installed it on my ’88 Sport. However, it is a major undertaking and will also require replacing the steering knuckles, lower control arms, brake calipers and more right down to the banjo bolts, with parts from a 91 Dakota. When completed, I had over $5000 invested in the project. Even a body lift has a few issues during installation. You can also crank the front torsion bars for an extra inch of so in the front. Check out http://www.walt-n-ingrid.com/myplans.html for details of the installation of the body and suspension lift kits on my Dakota as well as information on cranking the torsion bars. If you decide to take on such a project, plan on replacing everything.
Walt Felix
88½ Dakota Sport 4x4
http://WWW.Walt-n-Ingrid.COM
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Walt_Felix
GenI
2/24/2001
09:51:26
| RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
Damn Yahoo-GeoCities. I can no longer link directly to images on my own website. Time for a new host!
Walt Felix
88½ Dakota Sport 4x4
http://WWW.Walt-n-Ingrid.COM
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Danny Boy
Gen I
3/16/2001
23:59:21
| RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
Walt Do you think this will work for my 89 dakota 4x4? I,ve been looking for a really long time and couldnt find anything because like you said theres nothing out there. But i would really like to put a lift on my truck and your system seems to be the only way ill get one on. I went to your web page and saw your plans for the v8 swap i think im gonna try to swap a 5.9 with my 3.9 this summer ill let you know how it turns out. Like what you have done with the truck.
Thanx Dan
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Danny Boy
Gen I
3/17/2001
00:00:23
| RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
Walt Do you think this will work for my 89 dakota 4x4? I,ve been looking for a really long time and couldnt find anything because like you said theres nothing out there. But i would really like to put a lift on my truck and your system seems to be the only way ill get one on. I went to your web page and saw your plans for the v8 swap i think im gonna try to swap a 5.9 with my 3.9 this summer ill let you know how it turns out. Like what you have done with the truck.
Thanx Dan
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Walt_Felix
GenI
3/17/2001
16:53:59
| RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
Dan,
Your '89 has the same suspension as my '88 had so you should be able to do the same. Just be ready to shell out some bucks. Like I have said before, if you plan on doing it, spend the extra cash and replace everything while you have it apart. I'll save you alot of trouble later on.
Walt Felix
88½ Dakota Sport 4x4
http://WWW.Walt-n-Ingrid.COM
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87Dakota
Mechanic
4/08/2001
22:35:23
| RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
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Message:
I found a place for gen I dakota suspension lifts for a reasonable price. It's in the new 4Wheeler offroad magazine, I can't find mine right now. It's somewhere in one of the ads they have in there.
Nick
1987 Dakota 3.9L, 3 speed, 220,000 miles
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walt_felix
GenI
4/11/2001
11:39:24
| RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
As I said before, in the 7 or 8 years I've owned my ‘88 Dakota, I have not been able to find a manufacturer who markets a suspension lift for an ‘87-’90 4x4 Dakota. I know there is one kit for the 2wd (I believe by Rancho), but not the 4x4. I researched this for years before adapting a ‘91-’96 Trailmaster kit to my ‘88. I looked through my copy of 4Wheeler yesterday and did not see the one you mention.
Walt Felix
88½ Dakota Sport 4x4
http://WWW.Walt-n-Ingrid.COM
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Ryan Kane
Unregistered
5/13/2001
13:42:08
| RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
You can always lift your early Dakota using my methodology: crank your front torsion bars, lifting your Dak up 2", you will then need to add a 1" spacer in the rear axle, and add BF Goodrich A/T KO's 31x10.5" tires. You will also need to install a 2" body lift so the tires can fit under there. This increased my cab height by 6" and my suspension travel by almost 5". This is much more cost effective and doesnt require huge modifications to your truck. I think Walt has great advice, but my budget doesnt allow all of that and I don't care for straight axles. I prefer the IFS because of the offroading that I do.
Here is my website for further instructions and engine mods:
http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Desert/1727/DodgeDakota.html
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Andy DeAngelo
Dodge Dakota
11/29/2001
14:58:53
| 87'Dakota suspension lift?
IP: Logged
Message:
Where in the hell can I find a suspension lift for my 87' dakota? I can find one anywhere.
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TigerDak
Dodge Dakota
11/29/2001
16:47:23
| RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
Sorry Andy. There arent any. Dodge just didnt sell enough of those trucks to make it worthwhile by the 4x4 lift companies. I have cranked the front torsion bars up 1.5", added a 2" body lift, and put on 31" BF Goodrich tires. That has given me some extra ground clearance by about 3-4". I went from 6" of clearance on the front end to 10" after all this. After one year and 20,000 miles, havent had any front end problems (that I'm aware of). Looks awesome and cost pennies. Make sure you get an alignment after all of this.
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Jeremy
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/30/2003
23:50:31
| RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
I am not sure about the suspension lift job but I know first hand about putting a small block v8 (318)in a once 88 Dakota 4 cylinder 5 speed 2wd.
That was after we through a summit racing cam and lifters and some other better than stock items.
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Andy Caudill
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/27/2003
18:35:58
| RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
i have a 89 dak.
i want a lift so i can put some big wheels(33/1250r15 w/15x10rims) on it.
i am thinking about a 3" lift and 2" Add-A-leaf.
Walt, ryan, jeremy or anyone who can help, i need some advice. Thanks. Andy
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Andy Caudill
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/27/2003
19:39:35
| RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
Walt, i was wondering if you would sell the old wheels and tires that you changed off of your dakota 4 the beadlocks. if so e mail me @ andy_be_phat@yahoo.com.
if not i understand. Andy
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Walt Felix
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/31/2003
11:23:31
| RE: Lifts for '88 Dakota?
IP: Logged
Message:
Sorry Andy, I’m keeping those for something else. I’ll keep my eyes open, if I come across another set I’ll let you know.
Walt Felix
Walt@Walt-n-Ingrid.COM
http://WWW.Walt-n-Ingrid.COM
http://WWW.MoparsinMotion.COM
http://WWW.CruiseNights.Info
   
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