I recently had a tire blow out on my 88 (4x4). I am running 30x9.5x15 tires. Not easy to find a temprary spare, I lost the spare somehow when I was driving before the blow out....

I get tire rub running the 30's and measured the difference in torsion sag in the wheel wells. I'm about an inch or so lower on the drivers side. I am considering getting a body lift to comfortably run a 30" tire. So far I haven't been able to find replacement torsion bars or how much they would cost.

About the body lifts, how much is handling affected? Are the diameters of the lift spacers the same or wider than the stock spacers? I am concerned with handling and body lean and the possibility of the spacers caving into the cab.

I just wanted some answers from people that have body lifts or experience with the suspension.

Money is the biggest issue. Before I save for these upgrades I'm planning to buy a set of jeep wheels and tires from CL and run those since the lug patters are the same as the pre 91's... This seems like the best bet money wise just to get rolling again. No 4 wheeling anytime soon, So many things need to be done on the Dak. These are the reasons why I dislike my truck, it's lack of aftermarket options and replacement parts unlike Rangers... life is so much easier for those guys!

 

First where EXACTLY is your tire rubbing? If it is at full turn of the steering wheel, a lift will not help.

You don't need to buy new torsion bars. Just crank up your stock keys. Very simple and free, you will get an inch or 2 out of it. If you want more buy the re-indexed keys. Check the FAQ2 for a link to them.

As for the body lift they are strong. And 3in round I believe. They will not go through your body, well as long as it is rust free. There might be more body lean at high speed turns, no were close to be bad. Everyday driving will be the same. There are no stock spacers. The body sits on body mounts.

 

If I may add to this I have a few questions about this as well...

-Where exactly are the torsion bar adjustments and how do you adjust them?

-adjusting the torsion higher, won't that make the suspension stiffer and give you a rougher ride?

-Should you get new rubber bushings for the body mounts when you put body spacers in or do you even need them anymore?

-Won't 2" spacers also add some more rigidity in the body and make it sway less?

-what kind of mods do you have to make in your truck with a 2" lift? I've heard people having to mod everything from the steering wheel linkage to the 4x4 shifter and standard shifter (if there is one) among others.

 

Follow the torsion bars back. The adjustment keys are at the back end of the bars. Yes it will give it a stiffer ride. If you body mounts are bad yes you should replace them. If they are find you don't have to. No they will not add more rigidity. The shorter/closer to the ground it is, then it has more rigidity.

The steering shaft, brake lines, wire, 4wd and manual will all have enough adjustment. The kit includes a spacer to weld into the Automatic shift linkage. The radiator fan shroud will need some brackets made to relocate it. Or cut the shroud. Or install electronic fans. The lower water pump may need to be cut.

 

Ok thanks Crazy. Sounds a little too much to do myself but when I get the money I'll pick up the kit and have a mechanic shop do it since they have the privilege of a vehicle lift and certain types of tools that I don't.

 

It is very easy to do. Just take your time. Can be done on a saterday, or a weekend.

 

Hah thx but I'll pass...rather have a mechanic with a garage do it then do it myself when I don't have a garage and try doing it in N.Y. when it's almost winter..no thankyou, lol.

So where is the cheapest place to get a 2" body lift for a 1995 Dodge Dakota 4x4 3.9 liter V6 239CID SLT w/ automatic transmission?

 

www.summitracing.com

 

Cheapest place to get a 2" lift for a 90' Dakota, 5spd, 4x4. 3.9 V6? Same place?

 

Yes same place.