Sorry to hear about your experinces Nice, I put the Trailmaster body lift in
my truck over my summer and didn't have any "major" problems. The
instructions did suck but I had a good set from a post to the DML. I didn't
have any problems with the steering extension (since it's a 93). Since I
have the V8 I had to figure out what to do about the fan, so I just got a
smaller one from summit. I've got an auto so no shifting problems but I
did have a problem with the T-case lever hitting the front of the trim and
bouncing off trying to go into 4-wheel drive (it only does it when I really
get on it ), so I just took off the trim around it and its fine. I don't
know to take off the knob since my friend did that part while I was under
the truck, but the extension is on there. I did the lift in june and I've
driven about 5,000 miles since then and no problems...
Chris
93 4x4 CC V8
-----Original Message-----
From: binary/IIRG <binary@shoelace.digivill.net>
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net <dakota-truck@buffnet.net>
Date: Tuesday, December 29, 1998 4:53 PM
Subject: DML: 3" Trailmaster Body Lift.
>
> I Installed a 3" body lift this weekend at my uncles garage using
>some of the advice I got from the DML and various webpages i've seen about
>it.. My Dak is a 94 4x4 club cab with a 3.9 V6, 5 speed manual and 3.55
>gearing.. I called trail master before purchesing the body lift, 4 SSV
>shocks and a steering stablizer.. They assured me everything would fit..
>I'm just writing this to see if anyone else had any of the same
>experences?
>
> The Trailmaster SSV shocks.
>The first thing I did was to install the shocks becuase my stock factory
>ones were rusting away.. I was looking for a good all-around highway/dirt
>road shock so the shop I bought everyting at recommened the SSV shock..
>They went in with no problems but when I road tested them on the highway
>the ride was terrible.. After driving 2 hours on the highway (my uncles
>garage in 2 hours away from where I live) I decided these things were
>going back.. so I replaced the 2 back shocks with Rancho
>RS9000 5-way adjustable shocks.. they needed a little moding to fit on the
>top where the top backet meets the bed frame - I had to cut notches in
>them with a cutting wheel.. but after they were installed it was a huge
>difference.. I left and SSV in the front and the ride is really nice..
>
> The Trailmaster Steering stablizer.
>Because my goal was to put larger tires on the truck after it was lifted I
>decided to install a steering stablizer since everything else was
>trailmaster I used their model.. Installation was pretty easy although the
>directions could have been a little clearer - It took me a few minutes to
>understand what they ment about the stationary bracket. Everything fit
>farily well except the barrel of the shock sits about 1/4" away from the
>front crossmember. I didn't really notice any improvement until I drove
>thru a huge pothole intentionally - the wheel didn't move at all.. I'm
>wondering why this isn't a OEM item..
>
> The Body Lift.
>This is about the time my uncle got pissed at me after reading the
>instructions.. they weren't clear about anything.. but I guess its becuase
>a Body lift is something you get professionly installed? The first thing
>we did was to make sure all the parts fit.. the steering adaptor they sent
>us looked nothing like the soild piece that was installed on the lower
>steering shaft.. After waiting on hold for 15 minutes with trailmasters
>tech line they first said I had a steering shaft off of another truck and
>they couldn't do anything about it.. so we looked in the crash parts book
>for a picture of the assy. It matched what I had.. So I called back
>trailmaster and they asked if I had a air bag, which I did.. They then
>told me that it uses a entirely different adaptor and they were nice
>enough to mail it to me for free.. (but this ment 5 hours of driving !)
>after getting the adaptor in the mail it turned out all I had to do was
>cut the shaft and drill a hole in it and tap it for a bolt to extend it..
>not getting into to much detail here it wasn't that hard.. Lifting the bed
>wasn't hard and we didn't have any problems.. the cab was another story..
>after cutting the fan shrod and disconnecting all the brake lines, etc and
>removing the front bumper we installed the lift blocks and now the fan sat
>1/4" away from the lower radiator hose.. I now see why this kit won't work
>with a V8 without some fancy plumbing.. I cut a pice of exaust pipe and
>taped it to the house where the fan was near it just in case.. Installing
>the front bumper took a little fancy drilling and a large hammer but it
>went in ok.. the brake lines were really streched but they didn't break
>so i guess they'll be ok.. the cutaway in the floor for the 5spd shifter
>had to be made bigger.. about now i'm starting to wonder to myself if this
>is worth it. :) we only had a few parts left over when we were done but
>that always happens for some reason... after drving it for a few days I
>decided it was more trouble then its worth and I'll be removing it next
>month.. Shifting is a pain because of the way the shifter is located.. and
>the extention they provided for the transfer case knob doesn't work and
>rubs up agenst the shifter hole and makes this annoying sqeeking noise..
>Something I did learn is that on a 94' dak the transfer case knob dosen't
>really "unscrew" by itself.. theres a nut under the cap on the top.. the
>cap pops off with a small screw driver.. I haven't figured out how to
>remove the shifter knob yet.. I'm beginning to think its molded on..
>
>Well this is about the longest post i've had this year.. so what I think
>what I'm trying to say is the body lift on a 94' was alot more trouble
>then it was worth.. (for me atleast.)
>
>Has anyone used the 4" suspention lift? It's really expensive and I'm not
>crazy on doing anything is isn't reversible...
>
>
>- Nick
>
>94 CC 4x4 3.9 5spd - 140,000 miles
>K&N FIPK, 3" body lift (for 3 more weeks)
>
>
>
>
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