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dennis
Dodge Dakota
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2/12/2003
21:10:20

Subject: 1994/V8/4X4 Dak Suspension advice needed
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Stock 1994 Dakota SLT Xtra Cab 4X4 V8

I've been told by local shops that they don't know of a reliable lift kit for the '94/v8.

I've also heard that 31x9.5 is the biggest tire that will fit my rig without rubbing.

I want to be able to have better ground clearance and approach/departure and highcenter clearances.

What options are there for me? Is there a cutout fender flare kit available to get a bigger tire in or is that even a good idea?

The other thing I'd like to verify: I was told that when adding a lift kit it ruins the rig's road manners.

Help me sort this out please. Any links to pics and manufacturers of recommended products will help.

Thanks,

Dennis





94STEVE
Dodge Dakota
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2/13/2003
01:05:30

RE: 1994/V8/4X4 Dak Suspension advice needed
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Well Dennis, I havent meet you yet, but being a fellow 94' Dak owner i feel your pain. I have the same truck you do. I dont know how much you drive and how you drive but, I just bought a 4" Susp lift from a guy used and getting the 2" Body lift soon. I dont have them on yet but, I do drive alot but dont care about how the truck drives as long as it is safe. I am only 19 and really care about the looks, (more than i should probaly).
I run 31x10.5x15 right now and torsion bars cranked and 2" blocks in the back and there no rubbing. I wish they had a cheaper lift for us but that is what we get when we have I.F.S.

I will e-mail you some pics when i get the lifts done if you give me your email address. Mine is
scavit@woodward.com



other bill
Dodge Dakota
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2/13/2003
13:47:03

RE: 1994/V8/4X4 Dak Suspension advice needed
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Q: A reliable lift kit for the '94/v8?

A: 1. Trailmaster 4" suspension lift- installed one on my 95 ext cab last year. Very reliable
2. Performance Accessories Body lift- installed 2" on mine 3 years ago. Very reliable

Q: 31x9.5 is the biggest tire that will fit my rig without rubbing?

A: Put 31x10.5 on stock rig 6 years ago- no rub.
Could fit 32x11.5 with the body lift, stock wheels- little rub on frame
Will be installing 33x10.5 now that I have added the 4" suspension lift and off-set wheels

Q: I want better ground clearance and approach/departure and highcenter clearances.

A: 1. Ground clearance is obtained by larger tires. Gotta lift it to get big tires
2. Approach/departure angles and high center is obtained the same way, by lifting, it's your option as to "how high", right Walt?

Q: What options are there for me?

A: See above

Q: Is there a cutout fender flare kit available to get a bigger tire in or is that even a good idea?

A: No and not really

I am trying to get glassworks unlimited to build us gen II guys(and gals)a pre-runner fender,
BUT I NEED MORE FOLKS TO CALL THEM BESIDES MYSELF! SO THEY KNOW WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT PURCHACING THEM! THEY ARE NOT GOING TO FABRICATE ONE SET FOR JUST ME WHEN NO ONE ELSE IS GOING TO BUY ANY!!

Q: When adding a lift kit it ruins the rig's road manners?

A: Doesn't ruin. It is just not as tight. The suspension lift lengthens the tie rod bars, and drops the lower control arms. This adds some flex in the front end.

Finally:
Do you ever outgrow this stuff?

A: H*ll no! I turn 40 next month and am asking my teenage kids for a pipe bender for my birthday. I bent my other pre-runner bar and need to make a new one. I also want to put "my own" nerf bars on.

Does this help?




dennis
Dodge Dakota
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2/13/2003
14:42:50

RE: 1994/V8/4X4 Dak Suspension advice needed
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Yes guys, It's helping bunches. I'm seeing that:

1. The options for this truck are more limited than for other models
2. They run a little more than the same options for other (more COMMON) trucks.
3. I'll have to be creative a persistant to get what I want. Probably more or a custom approach will do it.

I have a buddy who is a sheet metal genius. He does all kinds of custom body work, but it is expensive. He's pretty sure he can fab pre-runner type fenders with larger wheel wells. If he did make a pre runner fender, how much would you guys be willing to pay for them?

What did Seve mean by I.F.S. ??

#1 priority for me, keeping the truck looking great. I'm not going to do anything half *ssed or tacky looking. I will retain a factory quality finish about the rig.

#2 great offroad performance

#3 on road driveability and safety

Among the things I'm considering: (Some of these are WAY OUT THERE!) Some are mundane.

Shorty headers
Tuned dual exhaust
k&n cold air kit
duel electric radiator fans
mild cam for pulling and torque
performance chip

4" total lift & custom pre-runer fenders (or enough to get 33 X 10.5's on 15" wheels)
Chopping the bed & frame 6" shorter to get better departure angle (I can still hear my dad saying "quit dragging your *ss!")

Roll bar with light bracket for four lights (two facing aft)
front bumper/pushbar/brushguard with two lights and a wench (heh heh I mean winch.)
total skid plate protection for the vitals
rear bumper to match look of front
Nerf bar/step if I can tuck it high enough Don't want to lose what I gained in the lift
then MAYBE a lower gear for low4X range

That's my wish list. (I know I know, I'm dreaming!)

I just won't keep track of how much I'm spending, I won't ever want to sell it or know how much I have in it when I'm done. Probably enough to have bought a humvee!!!

I'd welcome comment or dialogue on any of these if you peeps have done these mods. Right now it's stock except I have genIII wheels on it. (They were there when I bought it 4 months ago)

Now I know I'm a newB so don't rip me up if my ideas are stupid. If there is a legit reason or concerna bout any of these ideas, just tell me why.

Dennis




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