I can understand the concern, and also had my concerns with some of the
items that were discussed, but after talking with Tuff country's owner and
some of the people who designed it, I feel very comfortable installing this
kit.
First off, unfortuanately with our Torsion Bar front suspension, there is
not a kit out there (including Rancho) that will increase clearance due to
the need to "drop" our front axle to keep the T-Bars lined up. That's just
the reality of having this type of suspension. You can look at any 4X4 with
torsion bars and a lift and see the same brackets and the need for a skid
plate.
Secondly, this is why Tuff Country has custom skid plates coming out for the
front differential and for the rear torsion bar brackets. I would have
fabbed my own if they did not do this. I still may, depending on how they
mount and price.
Thirdly, I definately would consider the Rancho kit (I have owned several
Rancho kits and liked them), but 3" won't clear 33's without interference, I
don't care how much you crank the T-bars. Talk to anybody familliar with
the torsion set-up and they'll tell you it's not a great idea to crank on
those things too much anyway. You'll have suspension geometry problems
(tire wear) and due the increased spring rate (stiffer) you'll have less
articulation and off road you don't want to have a high spring rate on
rebound.
As far as having problems with some of the brackets, Tony found this out
when he installed his and if I remember correctly he had to get some updated
parts. Kelly at Tuff Country told me that have redesigned some parts to
make them stronger (The Rancho kit has also been through 3 redesigns). By
the way, most brackets in the kit are twice as thick as the stock parts, so
I'm not worried if the kit will be strong enough. The kit has been
extensively tested in Moab on both Durangos and Dakotas.
I'm no expert by any means, but I have researched this and if I'm dumping
$1081 into something I'm going to be comfortable doing it. BTW-- The Rancho
Kit is "on sale" at 4W Parts for $1400.00+shipping, that's another reason.
John McKinney
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Norah Bleazard [SMTP:nbleazard@home.com]
> Sent: Monday, August 09, 1999 6:18 PM
> To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
> Subject: DML: Tuff Country Important Info
>
> I recently received an e-mail from another Dakota owner who is not on the
> DML and had given me some advice on the Tuff Country Lift. As he had just
> recently installed the lift, and has experienced some problems, I thought
> I'd pass on an excerpt of his e-mail for those considering the Tuff
> Country
> Lift. Something you may want to consider:
>
>
> >>>> There are two major design flaws with it that have to be over come
> before
> off roading it. If not, there will be significant damage done. Trust me,
> it happened. (Off course, you'll be told that off roading the kit will
> invalidate the warranty, so I guess they only want to sell it to yuppies
> looking for tall trucks in their suburban driveways.)
>
> The most glaring and ridiculous flaw of the kit is that if you don't
> install larger tires you will LOOSE ground clearance. And right in the
> spot
> you've trained yourself to put all those rocks, logs, and stumps, between
> your tire and your pumpkin. The worst spot to loose clearance.
>
> Also there is a bracket that is much too small, and so its attachment to
> the truck is much too weak.
>
> I'm in the process of overcoming these design flaws and building new
> parts
> myself. If you are interested in more details let me know. I'm also
> having
> a custom skid plate built that will provide some significant protection.
>
> It is nice to be higher. I've torqued my torsion bars all the way, so
> that my raised height is over 6 inches now. Once I make the modifications
> it will be the most awesome off road dakota around. But the tuff country
> kit made it much more painful.
>
> My suggestion to you, is to look seriously at the rancho kit. And don't
> do it without talking with someone who already has one. Or best of all,
> actually seeing and driving one in person. I know its only three inches,
> but if you torque your torsion bars you can pick up another inch.
>
> Another item - tires. I'm now running super swamper radials in 33 x
> 12.5.
> they are absolutely incredible. I made up a set of offroad wheels and
> tires. It was difficult finding wheels with the 6 x 4 1/2 lug pattern,
> about the only choice is the american racing ar 767 fits. Of course,
> every
> supplier will tell you that they don't make them, so finally after talking
> to ar myself I got a supplier to dig on it. So I'm running road wheels
> and
> offroad wheels. A bit of a hassle but worth it.<<<<<
>
>
> I too was considering this lift, but I've changed my mind now.
>
> Norah
> current: '98 Dakota Sport black 4x4 CC V8/5.2L/Auto
> current: '95 Dakota Sport white 4x4 Reg Cab V6/3.9L/5spd
> RIP: '95 Dakota Sport black 4x2 CC V6/3.9L/Auto
> previous: '93 Dakota blue 4x2 CC V6/3.9L/Auto
>
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