http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CbyD...eature=related

My grandfather gave me his 1988 Dakota that was in storage from 1996-2008, there is only 70k on it. Its 2WD automatic though, with the 3.9L V6 (LA?)

I want to put a lift kit on it, JC Whitney sells a 2" Rough Country suspension lift for $120 not sure if that is PER axle (without shocks) what else would be required?

The 1988 came in a sport package with 4WD (3.9L only), what would I need a whole new transmission or is there an output and mounting spot for the transfer case on mine already? Maybe you NEED a standard transmission for the 4x4? Also a new front axle right?

Can anyone fill me in with more details so I know what to junk yard hunt for?

 

Nothing is the same for 2wd to 4wd. A few options.

One way is what I did get a 4wd truck complete and swap frames ect, you need same exact body style and engine. Very little cutting mostly a bolt on swap. No welding.

Next is 100% custom get solid axles and cut up all stock components and weld up new custom brackets ect. Most commonly refereed as a solid/straight axle swap. This is what I am currently working on to get stronger axles under my truck.

Last choice is to sell the 2wd and buy a 4wd.

Also post up the lift kit you saw, I'm sure it is not a direct fit kit. The FAQ2 has lift options for 2wd and 4wd.

 

The truck has sentimental value being my grandfather’s so I will be doing work on this truck in particular. I can't use my rear end because the gear ratio will be off correct?

So it's not as easy as bolting on new 4x4 front and rear axles, then doing a transmission swap? (minus the little stuff)

This is the lift kit: http://www.jcwhitney.com/suspension-...313d412y1988j1 (even when entered vehicle info it does not specify what it includes) I think the kit will work on 4WD so I can install the kit now, and upgrade to 4x4 later with the same kit right?

Here is my grandfather next to it just a few years ago:

 

It should include everything you need. Under notes it says: (M) Front coil spring spacers and rear blocks with U-bolts.

 

Does M mean manual transmission kit only? Coil spring spacers don't sound like a very good lift kit. Who else sells a better/bigger lift kit??

If I put my body on a 4x4 frame, what years will work? 87-96? That would be cool if my body fit on a Magnum V6 frame since mine only has the LA V6.

 

M was the note that you look the detail of the kit.

Yes 87-96 will work if you get the same body style. If you can find a good donor truck with a V6 Magnum or better a V8 Magnum that would be sweet. But your going to have to wire it all up.

 

I will look for an 87-96 single cab short bed 4x4 V6 Magnum frame (V8 is too much gas) and make sure I take all the electronics.

Sorry for all the questions, wouldn't I be better off measuring up the leaf springs and getting new ones that dip 2-4" lower instead of using blocks? Then I assume I can not raise the front end any higher than 2" without extending the A arms right? Sorry if that sounded super amateur.

 

As I think of it, the blocks won't work on 2wd. On 2wd it will just lower the truck. You can get Add A Leaf (AAL) kits that will raise up the springs. Yes you could find new springs with more arch but AAL is best. www.summitracing.com has the coil spacers and AAL kits.

 

The kit specifically said 2WD, maybe the directions said to relocate the axle from over the leaf to under it, then add the block.

They have add a leaf kits but they say a small amount of height but does not say how much it will raise it. Can you only add 1 kit or can you add 2 leafs to each existing stack?

What is your opinion on body lifts? I know they are the last resort, I'm not trying to rock climb with the damn thing but I would like to be able to have very wide tires.

I did this in Photoshop, looks like about a 2-4" raise. Can I use BOTH an add a leaf AND a block lift on the rear end? Or would I run into problems not being able to use enough coil spacers on the front?

 

there may be an easier way, get the lift for the 2x4 and install a locker in the rear. maybe something like an air locker. you can go a lot of places a 4x4 can but a 2x4 can't (by all means not all places).
as far as frames and body parts go the 87-96 are interchangeable, you may have to change the entire front end (fenders, hood, etc) to get the grill to fit but it will. this came from the fact that most truck magazines would only consider your rig for "truck of the year" if something was different about it and sheet metal is the cheapest to redesign.
as far as adding extra leafs to the back you can't go wrong. you increase load capacity, decrease body roll around high speed turns and lift the rear. i had 2 extra on each side and loved it!