Tom-
I started with the rear. This took only 2 hours. Very simple. I was missing allot of
nuts and bolts and washers, no biggie. The kit went on OK, it takes a while to
figure out the brackets that drop the differential down. And I still need to call
them and they really were no help either. The tech told me that if it didn't fit one
way, try it another way. This I didn't like. If it is supposed to fit a certain way,
I expect it to, not put it in how ever it seems to work best.
I would recommend getting longer brake lines, I still need to do this. They also
tell you to drill a new fill hole for the front differential. This cause gear oil to
spill out the vent hose. I made a bracket and have a small gallon tank that collects
the blow off. Works great.
I have about 10,000 miles on the lift kit and no problems. Works great off-road.
Just need to make some new skid plates. You can't use the stock on.
As for the tires, those are the new Bridgestone Dueler M/T. 33/12/16 on American
Racing Baja rims. I had the tires siped also. They ride great. Better than I
thought. Handling is about the same as stock. You do notice a difference in the
turns.
Tires work great in the snow and ice, rain and mud. I live here in Illinois so I
have yet to test them on rocks yet!!!
What I don't like is the gas mileage, I'm getting about 11 to 12. Used to get 17 to
19.
You end up adding about 200lbs to the truck plus the tires don't help!!
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask anymore questions.
Tom
fawcett@uism.bu.edu wrote:
> First off, welcome to the list! Second, the lift looks great! Since you did
> the lift yourself, can you tell me a little about it? For instance, did you
> have to improvise any or once you got all the parts squared away it installed
> as instructed? I definitely want to do this but I've got some other mods that
> are going in first.
>
> Lastly, what wheels are those? Look damn good, IMHO!
> Tom
>
> ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
> Subject: Re: DML: Tough Country Lift vs Rancho
> Author: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net> at smtpout
> Date: 1/29/00 1:41 PM
>
> Hello all-
>
> I 'm new to the list, but have been reading all the achieved stuff.
>
> Anyway, I have the TC lift on my '98 dakota. This was my first lift. I would
> suggest you have someone else do it if you are not very mechanical inclined.
> It took me a day and a half by my self, and I have all the tools except a
> lift.
> Instruction are not great, and I'm sure you will be missing parts as with any
> kit this size.
> Don't get me wrong, I love the lifted truck. Rides a little stiffer than
> stock, you lose some of your turning radius, and after I put the Dueler M/Ts
> on my gas mileage sucks.
> I say go for it.
>
> Tom
>
> ED25T3@aol.com wrote:
>
> > I was wondering the same thing and I also wondered if anyone had the lift
> > with the v6? if so what gears are you using?
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