Several things to keep in mind:
(1) Larger tires require shorter gears (3.90 - 4.10:1 preferred for
streetability and offroad "playing")
(2) Suspension lift will help with articulation and clearance but may not
help clearance for the larger tires.
(3) Fender trimming can be avoided with a mild body lift (2" in this case
should be just fine)
(4) Short wheelbase vehicles (such as Jeeps) have always been considered one
of the top vehicles for offroading. Landcruisers and the custom built
Scorpions are right up there too.
Making it "trailworthy" would include extra Gas Can (5gal), tow straps, tow
hooks, skid plates (protect yourself and your tranny), CB, trashbag (keep
the trails clean), extra lights (only if you like night trails), and a
Hi-Lift Jack (just in case). Looks like you already have all of that anyway
so the last item would be your suspension. (Hate to say it, but there
aren't too many factory 4x4's that are "Trailworthy" from the
factory...there are exceptions though.)
With the picture of a Dakota...I thought I saw a picture from a DML member
who lifted his Dak about 4". I also haven't been able to locate the
Trailmaster site, can anyone else help out with the URL?
Regards,
Bernd
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-dakota-truck@buffnet4.buffnet.net
[mailto:owner-dakota-truck@buffnet4.buffnet.net]On Behalf Of
Killerdak@aol.com
Sent: Friday, June 25, 1999 4:40 PM
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
Cc: jimwilms@bellsouth.net
Subject: Re: DML: getting a 4x4 Dak TRAILWORTHY
Wow. I find it hard to believe that even with a 4 INCH lift 33's will rub! I
really think 33's are the way to go for off-road, as opposed to smaller
tires; especially after experiencing the trails at Tellico. I wonder if the
fenders can be cut out somewhat? Then trimmed off with a nice fender
flare...
My friends in the 4x4 club really think I should trade in the Dakota for a
Toyota or a Jeep TJ, but dammit I love my truck too much and REALLY want to
prove that it can be made trailworthy. Maybe I'm nuts. Probably am. Please
help me prove them wrong!
So about the Trailmaster lift...I have yet to see any decent PICTURES of it
installed....! Anyone know if Trailmaster has a website or if there are
other
web sources with a lifted Dak shown?
Dave Kilian
Clayton, NC
'96 Dakota CC Sport 4x4 3.9L 5-spd
Mods: 2" Rear spring lift, front T-bar crank, 30x9.50 BFG AT's, Brush guard
w/ Hellas, Tow hooks, Tool Box, Sunroof, Cobra 18 CB, 4' Firestik II, Alpine
6-disc CD Changer/Head Unit/amp, JBL speakers, Rhode Gear bike mount, and a
white dog named Jake in the passenger seat. 75,000+ miles.
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