Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the 2wd have coil springs in front. Only
the 4x4 models have torsion bars. I don't know for sure about 97-98 models
but I know this is true for pre 96 models.
Your probably going to have a hard time finding a suspension lift for a 2wd
because trailmaster is the only manufacture of a 4x4 lift kit that I know of.
I had heard that Rancho was also coming out with one, but I'm not if they have
released it as of yet. Dakotas are generally harder to find after-market
accessories for especially if you're looking for something outside the norm.
BTW: Cranking the torsion bars on a 4x4 Dakota will give you about 1" to 11/2"
of additional clearance but will stiffen the ride quite a bit. Also it
changes the geometry of the front end, including the angle of the CV axles,
increasing the wear on front end parts. It definitely shortens the life of
ball joints, CV boots, etc.... After cranking mine 2 years ago, I had to
replace the ball joints and CV boots (could have been from normal wear). I
just recently noticed one of the CV boots has a small pin hole in it now and
will probably need to be replaced before the year is out.
Walter_Felix@MSN.COM
88' Dodge Dakota Sport 4x4.
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Downs/9219
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@buffnet4.buffnet.net On Behalf Of Skeptic X
Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 1998 10:55 PM
To: - Dodge Dakota List
Subject: DML: New Dakota 2WD SLT on the way from Warren, Mich.
Hello list!
My wife and I have a new 2WD Dakota on order--expected ETA is the 21st
(May). I want to get the truck lifted by 2 or 3 inches, and I'm not
interested in a body lift. A local shop says they can lift it by
tightening the torsion bars in front (and realigning the front end), and
adding a block kit in the rear. Can anyone tell me if these
modifications will likely create any problems? Will I need to get new
shocks if I have it done? What's a reasonable price, including labor?
I was sort of surprised to find this e-mail list. I'm looking forward to
having access to information the dealer probably can't really help me
with, and that I can't really trust local shops (trying to sell work) to
be completely forthright with. This information superhighway can be all
right sometimes--eh?!
Skeptic X
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