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Raised / Lifted Dakotas
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Warwagon
Dodge Dakota
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9/21/2003
22:42:11

Subject: Gen 1 Running 33's
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Well here you go Gen 1 fellas. I just recently had to replace the tired torsion bars on my '88 4x4 Dak, so I upgraded to the 2k bars, installed the 2" Trailmaster add-a-leaf and the Trailmaster 3" body lift. After cranking up the new bars to get the rig 1 degree short of level (I still have 1-3/4" of screw left after initial sag) I carefully measured and found that 9.50x33x15's would just barely fit. So I mounted a new set of BFG AT's to the stock rims and it works fine. Noticed the slightest bit of fender rub at the bottom rear where the spot welds joins the inner and outer flange at hard articulation. Angled that with the Dremel, and whala. No rubbing when articulated and wheel at the max interferance angle.

You'll still get the standard rub on the front crossmember (heck I had that with my 9.50x30's) at full lock. The trick is to position the cab EXACTLY so the wheel well centerline and the axle centerline are the same when you install the body lift. If you're a little ansy about 33's, you may want to try 32's. They ARE out there, you just have to spend an evening doing your research. So far, it appears that the mileage is about it's normal 20mpg while commuting and burning premium fuel. Here's a link to some pix.

http://community.webshots.com/album/91231214JHxvgi
Enjoy



other bill
Dodge Dakota
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9/25/2003
10:01:37

RE: Gen 1 Running 33's
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Nice start Warwagon! I'm glad to see more folks fitting larger than 31s on their early (87-96) rigs. They are a great untapped resource. Unfortunately, I believe they were originally marketed to draw older generation buyers that would have steered towards the Mini trucks. Don't really know why they never picked up more in popularity. Walt definetely proved with a little modification, you can do a lot with one! And one or two of these other guys went even bigger (straight axles). There is just so much potential.



RaGuS
Dodge Dakota
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9/25/2003
15:25:15

RE: Gen 1 Running 33's
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How Much did those torsion bars run you??



Warwagon
Dodge Dakota
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9/26/2003
23:21:50

RE: Gen 1 Running 33's
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RaGuS,
The 2000lb bars ran me $165 each from dodge. Only had 1 problem, when they shipped them to my dealership some bonehead put a wrong bar in the package. I mean, I ordered a matched set. One was the proper item I ordered, the wrong one was a good 3in longer and thicker to boot. Jeezoy, you'd think they would have caught that when they boxed them up. So they had to rush order the right one for me as we had a buddy of mine's rack tied up.

Old Bill, I agree whole heartidly. I know there sure as heck are a LOT of Gen 1 & 2's still running around where I live near Brookville, PA. Some are looking a little battle weary, but their owners keep them on the road beacuse they just refuse to die! Those who have had them for a while, have grown to appreciate what a tough truck they really are and are happy to keep a good thing going. I guess I'm one of the mature crowd that was impressed with them from the start (although those who know me well would say I'm a kid who refuses to really grow up on the inside).
I won't part with mine, in fact I just acquired the necessary items from another Dak lover to convert to a 5-speed. Had I been the one who orderd her as a new one that's the ONLY thing I would have changed. I'm also making arrangements to get ahold of a 4-BT Cummins, so if my engine ever dies, she can be a rattler, just like my 4x4 E-350 van. I know of another guy on the TDR that put one in a Gen 2 with an automatic behind it and gets 32mpg. That would be SWEET for a commuter truck, and now I have the heavy t-bars to handle the additional 500lbs it would weigh!



92Dakota4x4
GenII
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9/27/2003
17:25:37

RE: Gen 1 Running 33's
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Hang on boys...I am in the process of installing the Trailmaster 4" lift on my dakota,already have new wheels/tires...15x8 black streetlocks with 35x12.50x15 Dunlop mud rovers...it's gonna be baaaad.....



Brent88
Dodge Dakota
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9/27/2003
17:35:56

RE: Gen 1 Running 33's
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Hey 92dakota4x4: got any more pics of your truck, mainly the front tire clearance. i was thinkin of puting some 32 or 33's on next. thanks
Brent




92Dakota4x4
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9/27/2003
17:57:34

RE: Gen 1 Running 33's
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Well, cut and paste to visit my new site... No close ups of tire clearance yet,will try to get more pictures up tomorrow! http://home.earthlink.net/~btm0106/



Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
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9/29/2003
18:50:34

RE: Gen 1 Running 33's
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yeah man, Id love to see some up close picts too. I have a 2wd 1990 with a 2in susp. and 3in body lift. Im running 31s now but I have cleaned away alot of metal on the front fenders so I am hoping to get 33x10.50s on her. I am finding that I need new rims due to backspacing tho. I have Am Racing Nitros15x7 with a 3.75 in backspacing now. Thinkin of gettin some Black rock crawlers 15x8 with a 2.75 or 3in backspacing. Just to get the tires away from the frame at full loc. Well see what happens. Any info would be great if you know any tricks to go with. Later
Joe E.



93v8
Dodge Dakota
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11/01/2003
21:46:58

RE: Gen 1 Running 33's
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Hay 92dakota4x4 have you had any problems with the spiders gears in the front axle ?
I was running 33's and have broke two sets in 3 years.



92Dakota4x4
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11/01/2003
22:25:35

RE: Gen 1 Running 33's
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No, no problems yet....but I take it pretty easy and don't beat on the truck too hard.I have had spider gears in a 7 1/4 axle fail,but it was a rear axle on A DODGE DART!



primerdak
Dodge Dakota
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11/08/2003
11:28:58

RE: Gen 1 Running 33's
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well i have a 87' with 33*12.50's, 15*8 wheels 3.75 backspace. 2" body lift and 2" blocks cranked the t-bars. hammered the back of the front fenders. and walla no rubbage. looks awesome.



Warwagon
Dodge Dakota
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11/08/2003
20:09:55

RE: Gen 1 Running 33's
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Pics, man, pics!!
I wanna see it!



Brent88
Dodge Dakota
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11/09/2003
22:25:27

RE: Gen 1 Running 33's
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Same here primer



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