Hey everyone,

Well I finally got around to jacking up my Dakota, well partiallyI should say. I put 2" blocks on the rear this past weekend. My shocks are shot on the fron and back so I need new ones. I have keys for the front end but haven’t put them on yet because I cannot track down a torsion bar removal or unloading tool. Called all sorts of auto parts stores like Autozone and Pepboys, etc. out here in Chicago with no luck of tracking one down. So here are my questions.

1. What kind/size of shocks should I put on the back? I want to go air, but I called the Shock Shop and they are not sure what size I need since I raised the truck 2”, and the longest they have for my truck are only ¾” taller than stock for the back with air and ½” taller than stock on the front for coilovers. Do they need to be almost 2” longer than the stock shocks?

2. Where can I locate a rental or cheap torsion rod removal tool? Or do I need it? If I am taking out the shocks anyways when I put in the keys, can I get away without it?

 

WellI belive with 2 in, stock should be okay. I have my truck lifted with keys around 3-4 in up front, which is still normal. I still have stock length shocks. Back I do have air shocks. I have around 5-6 in back so I just welded up a spacer for the shock mounting bolt. here is a quick pic. But Like I said I belive 2in you will be okay. As for the keys you dont need a remover tool. Just jack up the front so the wheels hang down at full suspention. and unbolt the old key. There is a good amout of slack at the end where there is no load on the bars.
Click on thered x it will come up,the site is still has issues.

 

Thanks for the help. I will post some pictures of it when I finish. Hoefully this weekend. By the way, never got the picture to load. Think the forum is messed up. I tried clicking on the red X. I would be interested in seeing it because I am thinking about maybe adding a leaf to the back in addition to the block if I want to go higher. Thanks again. I appreciate the help.