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Raised / Lifted Dakotas
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david montgom
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2002
09:19:55

Subject: body lift sucks
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i am agreeing with a few others on how the steering sucks, way too much slop and something rides, and rattles, when road gets a little rough.
i am thinking about lowering column to align to the box better. that would prob help?
Other than that truck looks bad to the bone, not too much frame( look at all those ugly 4x4 chevys thats been runnin around since 88 showing there intire frame stock)plus the 15x10 stonecrushers look killer on those 11x32 geolander at2.
But for real steering must be fixed, totally unexceptable! 02 reg cab4x4 4.7 auto, black



Brad
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2002
10:51:00

RE: body lift sucks
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I've heard lots of people complaining about the steering, etc... after the body lift, but mine is Perfect. I can't tell I changed anything. My steering feels the same, my truck is in line (I even added 15x10 on 33x12.50's) and did not notice a big difference in the "center of gravity" - At first we didn't install the steering extension and it was tight, then it started making a popping noise so we decided to go ahead and install it. After I installed the steering extension it's just right (not too loose... not too tight)- My girlfriends dad owns a Dodge dealership so I was lucky enough to have one of the mechanics help me out and we had full access to the shop and a lift, which definately helped out. The only problem we had installing the lift was that I let the body move offline with the frame (wasn't that hard to fix, but next time I will definately keep my eyes open to avoid the extra trouble). I also have a 02 4.7 4x4 so it should be pretty much the same. I hope you get it fixed and let me know if I can be of any assistance.



Torque
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2002
11:10:11

RE: body lift sucks
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Granted, I've only had mine on a couple days (2001 CC), but the steering is perfect as well.



Hawkeye
*GenIII*
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7/03/2002
12:16:42

RE: body lift sucks
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On the 2000 and newer truck's, I am having a hard time understanding all this sloppy steering issue. The extension has a square hole into which a square shft fits. Doesnt leave much room for movement. Other than that, nothing on the steering gets changed. Its absolutely the same as stock. I am lost.



4wDakota
GenIII
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7/03/2002
12:19:09

RE: body lift sucks
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My steering extension is fine, where are you guys getting slop?

Have someone turn the wheel while you watch the extension and see if it's slipping. It makes no sense to me because of the fact that ALL of the splines would have to slip for it to have play and if all of them are slipping then you'd better fix it before you lose steering at 60 mph on a freeway.
Are you sure it's not just the larger tires tracking differently than you are used to or maybe the larger tires have killed your ball joints.

98 CC 4x4, 5.2 Auto 3.55LSD

Knobbyman
*GenIII*
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7/03/2002
12:35:20

RE: body lift sucks
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Make sure everything is tight.. Everything was square so it should fit nice and snug. The only difference I saw was when we drove with out the extension.. IT WAS TIGHT!! then we put the extension in and it was back to factory.

'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----

dakotamaxx
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2002
12:42:13

RE: body lift sucks
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had my body lift 4 months,works fine,the only big problem is my wife,she bitches about how hard its to get in truck now with it sitting higher! i love it



CaribbeanKota
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2002
13:02:16

RE: body lift sucks
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You guys are right everything is square and i does not make a whole lot of sense but there is a definate slop in the steering after the body lift install....I cannot explain it ...no it is not the tires i am still running the the stock 16x8 and stock tires....the truck tracks differently after the body lift.....IT sucks!!!!! I am pretty sure I will be uninstaklling this body lift thank goodness I didn't spend as much as Eric to find out what damage I did to my truck...GOING TRUCK SHOPPING THIS 4th of JULY WEEKEND WOOOHOOOOOO A REAL TRUCK!!!!!!!!!



Jason
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2002
14:43:21

RE: body lift sucks
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Do 2WD Body Lifts need to add the sterring extension too?



Torque
Dodge Dakota
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7/03/2002
23:08:46

RE: body lift sucks
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Today was the first day I took the Interstate home after installing the body lift. I'm still running the OEM wheels and tires and truck definately tracks different at higher speeds. At 50mph and under, it feels just like it did stock. I guess it could be the aerodynamics of it now, but at 75mph it gives me a very uneasy feeling. The steering is tight (no hint of slop) but it is VERY sensitive to bumps and grooves in the road and slight movements of the steering wheel, so much so, that I'm scared to let my wife drive it now if I know she's gonna take the Interstate. :(



ian1872
Dodge Dakota
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7/05/2002
13:48:56

RE: body lift sucks
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do you guys want some cheese with your whine?

ian



bjlindsey
*GenIII*
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7/08/2002
23:34:08

RE: body lift sucks
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I have 2000 miles on mine and have no slop and am happy as a lark cruisin at 75-80....cept for the gas mileage!!! or lack thereof!!!

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


ian1872
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2002
16:56:11

RE: body lift sucks
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i've had mine since sunday so i cant say too much for the durabillity of it, accept for the countless others i have seen and helped install. so far it's great. i also think that the steering complaint is a misdiagnosed problem, probably even brought up by someone who doesn't like body lift. after installing the steering shaft extension i am damn sure that there is no what it's going to wear out.
for those saying there is slop in the steering you need to check the rest of the front end of your trucks.

ian



QUADMAN
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7/09/2002
18:37:12

RE: body lift sucks
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Look! I had my body lift put on quite a bit earlier than most of the people here and have no reason to make up bad press for body lifts. Yes it is the steering link and Yes it can and has gotten sloppy. As for it causing the steering to wander I disagree. The only noises I complain about is how it sounds as if the steering stem bushing has worn out which it has not. If you hit some abrupt bumps it makes a sound through the steering that did it as soon as the lift was installed. If yours doesn't do it then I am so damn happy for you but don't pop on here proclaiming how all of us are wrong and just don't like body lifts. I have no problem with body lifts, my problem is with dodge going away from making rugged trucks and trying more to make them car like! If my post seems harsh its suppose to! I'm no chap whining about how the truck my dad bought me dosn't beat mustangs! My steering as far as the noise goes did change with the lift and the two others that buddies of mine own did also. As I said, for those of you that didn't, great! Congratulations!

OPINIONS ARE LIKE....WELL, YOU KNOW THE REST!!

Torque
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2002
18:42:07

RE: body lift sucks
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Overall, I'd say the body lift is great, as long as there isn't a good side or head wind above 60mph. But I believe PA should mention in the instructions about what it takes to make the 5spd work. TallQuad, if you're reading this, please give me some insight on how you rigged yours up so it doesn't hit the console or the dash!! PLEASE.

I took the shifter to an offroad shop and we bent it around every which way trying to make it clear, and I finally called it a day after removing and installing it 5 times. I don't know what the trick is or what TallQuad did to make it work, but I can't figure it out. It either hits the dash or hits the console. I'm so pissed off right now at it. Currently, 1st gear is between where 3rd or 5th should be and I nearly have to get in the passenger seat to get it in reverse -- all so it doesn't hit the side of the console when it is in 1st or 2nd. I'm gonna meet up with IMAN23 this week to see if he has any suggestions. If I can't make it work, the body lift is coming off. BTW, I decided to order the gap gaurds from PA, they should be here later this week. If the lift comes off, I'll see if anyone on here wants to by them.



scott
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2002
20:39:56

RE: body lift sucks
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BJ, what`s up with your website? It won`t let me go to it. I`ve checked it out before , and wanted to see your pics. again with the body lift.
Is anyone else able to connect , or is it me!?



ian1872
Dodge Dakota
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7/11/2002
12:27:39

RE: body lift sucks
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quadman, it sounds to me like you need to call PA and ask for, or buy, a new steering link. although this doesn't sound like your only problem. if stuff is wearing out on your truck you can hardly blame the lift. as far as body lifts go they usually wear out suspension and steering components. in fact the only thing that places more strees on your truck is the bigger tires or a suspension lift.
i some how sense that no matter what you buy you're not going to be happy but good luck in your search for the perfect vehicle.

ian



ian1872
Dodge Dakota
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7/11/2002
13:28:11

RE: body lift sucks
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oops, i ment they usualy DON'T wear out suspension and steering components.

ian



TallQuad
Dodge Dakota
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7/11/2002
22:23:18

RE: body lift sucks
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Torque, I just emailed you some info about the shifter. Like I said in my email, the shifter is mainly trial an error. I almost gave up too on the lift but then we got lucky and got the shifter aligned where we wanted it. As for the truck feeling weird on the street, it just takes some getting use to. I've taken my truck faster and harder than I did stock and its doing great! But I admit its freaky at first, specially going from stock to 6" higher! It felt so sluggish and tipsy, but feels stock to me now. Hang in there!



Torque
Dodge Dakota
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7/12/2002
17:23:18

RE: body lift sucks
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You're right TallQuad, it just takes time getting used to it. But I do notice when the wind is blowing pretty hard that the truck acts like a sail and jumps alot more than when stock and I'm only 3" higher :) But I'll get used to that as well.

IMAN23 and I got together and think we might have a solution to the gear shift that doesn't require heating and bending. I need to buy some more parts for it tonight, but we'll let everyone know how it turns out and if it's a good solution for the 5spd Daks that want to lift without having to heat and bend stuff.



QUADMAN
GenIII
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7/12/2002
18:05:21

RE: body lift sucks
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Ian your just some little know it all aren't you? I am so glad things are perfect in your world and never go wrong. I'm sure as soon as something in fact doesn't work as it should you'll be the first one here to bitch and moan about it. As far as me not being happy with any purchases well, your right, a body lift is a cheap and piss poor way to lift a vehicle. The only reason I did is because I have no other alternative. If I had known that prior to buying the truck I would not have gotten it. I am dodge loyal and would have gotten a ram. Don't post on here assuming you know exactly what is going on with everyones vehicle and slamming them if they complain. Like I said, it must be nice to live in your world!

OPINIONS ARE LIKE....WELL, YOU KNOW THE REST!!

durtydog
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7/12/2002
19:57:53

RE: body lift sucks
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hey donnie can you move the steering extention with your hand?
i like the pa extention design over the trail master which has you cut the stock steering linkage and add 2 welded u channel.
im not busting on anyone about complaining about a problem there are having i just want to see the guys who are having problems get them fixed!
to some of these guys its just hard to take that its the steering extention.

98 club cab sport 5.2 4x4 durtydog is done dirt cheap

TallQuad
Dodge Dakota
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7/12/2002
20:12:23

RE: body lift sucks
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Do any of you know how or if you can adjust the steering wheel. I'm brain farting on the technical explaination, but basically my steering wheel is turned a little too much to the right and I wnat to re-align it. Make sense?... This was really easy to fix on my Jeeps but can't seem to find an adjustment point in the steering linkage to correct it more towards the middle. Anyone who might know or has fixed theirs, please lend some help. :-)
Thanks!!



ian1872
Dodge Dakota
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7/12/2002
22:18:20

RE: body lift sucks
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quadman, resorting to personal attacks now? good for you. i can only imagine how much the people at the dodge dealership and PA like helping you.

things aren't perfect in my world, but the reason you don't hear about my problems is because i don't think whining helps anyone. you knew the inheirent risks involved in lifting your truck and you did it anyways. now your not happy and rather than doing anything about it you just complain.
sure i've had a few little bugs i had to work out but nothing worth making everyone else listen to.

ian



QUADMAN
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7/13/2002
15:42:32

RE: body lift sucks
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Fine, glad your bugs are all worked out. I still think you have one or two left but thats just my guess. Once again you presume to know how I am to deal with by the way I post. I am glad you have that gift. You are quite a marvel of a human being. The Smithsonian should have your sperm frozen just in case something were to happen to the human race, then it could be replaced with something far superior like yourself. I don't get on here and criticize other peoples posts albeit I have had to bite my typing finger at a few, but you for some reason like to think that if we complain we are whiners and are wrong to say anything bad about our trucks or the accessories we have put on them. Well, exactly who are you? Why does your opinion mean so much? You certainly voice it enough. I don't normally lash out at anyone but you and your smartass comments really pissed me off. I am sorry that I bought the POS body lift and subjected you to my maniacle tyraids! I hope you have a nice day and god forbid anything happen to your perfect truck!

OPINIONS ARE LIKE....WELL, YOU KNOW THE REST!!

2THEXTRM
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7/13/2002
16:55:02

RE: body lift sucks
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TallQuad,

I had the same problem when I first installed my body lift and found it was because I had accidentally turned the shaft on the steering column side while installing the spacer. I just took it back apart, turned the shaft back some until it lined back up with spacer and problem fixed. That might be your problem too, otherwise, it's probably off to an alignment shop to straighten wheel while doing an alignment since it would cost more to remove steering wheel and install straight with airbag and all. Good-luck!

Flowmaster cat back, Air Raid w/homemade TB connect, Poweraid TB Spacer, Splitfire Plugs
3 inch body and 1.5 Block Lift, 305 70-16 X-Terrains on AR Terons

ian1872
Dodge Dakota
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7/13/2002
21:34:11

RE: body lift sucks
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i'm glad to see you're so easily offended, you must be a real hit at parties.
you're right, you don't know who i am. for all you know i could live next door at 250 lipton ln.
so before you run your mouth anymore why don't you consider being a little more civil.

ian



QUADMAN
GenIII
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7/14/2002
17:05:33

RE: body lift sucks
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It's a shame I don't live on Lipton Lane anymore or else I would just come kick your smart ass! I don't need to be civil, my ass can back up my tongue and if you ever lived anywheres near me you would have known that already!

So I guess what I am trying to say is, your opinions mean absolutely nothing to me. As a favor I'll not reply to anymore of your posts and will kindly ask the same of you. Thank you and have one spectacular weekend!

P.S. I would really have liked to run into you at a party!

OPINIONS ARE LIKE....WELL, YOU KNOW THE REST!!

joey
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2002
20:28:16

RE: body lift sucks
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what is it with the "IAN'S" these days??
they all like to fight :P
-joey
www.geocities.com/jsanz11_dakota



joey
Dodge Dakota
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7/14/2002
20:44:13

RE: body lift sucks
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hey quadman
do you have a webpage or somewhere that says what you have put into your truck?
just wantedto know what tires and rims you have and sizes and stuff, i like the way your truck sits with the body lift,
-joey
www.geocities.com/jsanz11_dakota




QUADMAN
GenIII
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7/15/2002
11:03:51

RE: body lift sucks
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Hey joey, thanks for the compliment. I have some pics of my truck in my profile, just click on the link after you get in there. As far as a list of mods I don't really have one but I can tell you what I have. 3" PA BodyLift, Eagle alloy 589's 15x10, 33x12,50 Goodyear MTR'S, procomp prerunner lightbar, and 50 series flowmaster. That is pretty much it right now.

OPINIONS ARE LIKE....WELL, YOU KNOW THE REST!!

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