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Raised / Lifted Dakotas
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Scott Bryant
Dodge Dakota
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11/04/2001
10:05:23

Subject: Tuff Country Lift vs 2000 and up
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Message:
What are the differences between '00-'02 Dakotas and '97-'99's that prevents you from using the Tuff Country lift on the newer models? Thanks, in advance for your replies.



Doc
Dodge Dakota
 Email

11/04/2001
11:23:38

RE: Tuff Country Lift vs 2000 and up
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Message:
Rack & Pinion steering on the newer trucks is the principle change that prevents the Tuff Country lift from working.

A modest (2" to 3") lift on the new trucks would not be that difficult. All that would be needed would be new long travel CV joints, similar to what has been being used in off road racing for years now, and a new set of spindles that would move the hub down three inches from it's current location. The stock A-arms, steering, and linkage could all be retained. How big of a deal would it be for Rancho or Superlift to make a new set of spindles and supply a set of long travel CV joints? Instead they will likely come out with a miriad of drop brackets and charge us $2500 for a lift.

Doc

--------------------------------------------------
'00 Dakota Quad Cab 4x4: stock, except for 33x12.50R-15 Goodyear MT/Rs



Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
 Email

11/04/2001
16:26:14

RE: Tuff Country Lift vs 2000 and up
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Message:
Doc, got a question for ya. About lift spindles, does that effect your rack and pinion steering? I have a 1990 5in of lift with 31's. My susp is lifted 2out the 5in. If I could get some spindles, which I know I cant right now, would I have to mess woth the steering system, or will that be uneffected because the lift would be through a spindle. Thanks for the help.
Joe E.



Doc
Dodge Dakota
 Email

11/04/2001
18:04:07

RE: Tuff Country Lift vs 2000 and up
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Message:
An entirely new spindle would be needed to accomplish a modest lift with this method. The part of the spindle that the steering connects to would be unaffected height wise, and only the hub would be lowered. You cannot do big lifts this way, but 2" to 3" is certainly do-able. Very simple to make, very quick and easy to install, and when combined with a 2" body lift it would greatly improve the trucks off road capabilities.

I would personally like to install a 2" to 3" suspension lift on my truck, and combine that with a 2" custom body lift. At least it would look lifted that way, and the underbelly would have 2" more clearance, while the rocker panels would have 4" to 5" more clearance. Then I could do just a bit more aggressive four wheeling than I do now. If I wanted to do serious four wheeling with this truck I would swap in a solid front axle. However, I would rather let someone else do the serious four wheeling with their Dakota, and I will just keep the great ride my Dakota has with the IFS. For serious four wheeling I'll take one of our 4x4 ATVs.

Doc.

------------------------------------------------------------

Dakota Quad Cab 4x4
Stock; with 33x12.50R-15 Goodyear Wrangler MT/Rs



Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
 Email

11/04/2001
23:51:05

RE: Tuff Country Lift vs 2000 and up
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Message:
Doc, when you say the lift spindles are "very simple to make", what do you mean. Easy for a producer, for a custom shop, of for me? Rather doubt me! I have a 3in body and 2in susp leveling kit. All I want is another 3in Spindle lift. Running 33x12.50's in my overall goal. I have talked to a company called California Customs. They said they could make a spindle but they need the truck. I live in s. Florida so I cant just drive to them. Do you know any speciality shop that fabricates parts like spindles? I can install them, I just need the hardware. Thanks for the help. Have a good week.
Joe E.



Doc
Dodge Dakota
 Email

11/04/2001
23:55:25

RE: Tuff Country Lift vs 2000 and up
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Message:
I meant "easy" for a company like Rancho, Superlift, Tuff Country, or other similar company to make.

Doc



Joe E.
Dodge Dakota
 Email

11/05/2001
00:36:15

RE: Tuff Country Lift vs 2000 and up
IP: Logged

Message:
Thats what I was afraid of. AIM Ind says they are going to start on one in the next few months. After they get the Ranger sopindles off the ground. I am hoping for the best. About the Gen I dak axels. Can they sustain a 33in tire or are they to weak to do they? Thanks.
Joe E.



Scott Bryant
Dodge Dakota
 Email

11/05/2001
15:10:52

RE: Tuff Country Lift vs 2000 and up
IP: Logged

Message:
Doc;
Thanks for your reply.



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