I have a 96 Dodge Dakota 4x4 SLT extended cab and I want to lift it 4 - 6 inches for around 500$. I see that most lift manufacturers don't make lifts for 1 gen Dakota anymore. What would be the best way to get this amount of lift without sacraficing ride smouthness. My main goal is to gain some extra clearence for logging roads and brush in the UP (Michigan).

 

The FAQ2 has all the lifting ideas. Best to go with lift/indexed torsion bar keys $80 for 2-3in. Use Add A Leafs out back. And $80 2-3in 2in body lift $100

4-5in for $260.
All links of where to buy is in the FAQ2.

 

I decided to add a leaf in the back for 2" and shackle flip for another 3. So a total of 5" in the back. What should I do with the front to get the 5 inches to match?

 

add a leaf... (2in rear)
http://www.jcwhitney.com/trailmaster...id=d412y1996j1

Flipping Shackle hangers (approx 3 in rear)
http://www.gatsbycars.com/dodge.html

lift torsion bar key...(1-3 inches front)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LIFT-KIT-FOR...sories&vxp=mtr

Does the 1-3 for the key mean that it can be adjusted... Will I actually get 3 inches?

If I do get 5 inches (rear)

Would a leveling kit due the trick to make up the two inches or will the rear still be higher?

 

The torsion keys should realistically get you around 2-2.5 inches, but every truck is different.
Nothing else you can really do in the front without building your own custom stuff.
Best bet is this:
Torsion keys- 2" $100
Add a Leafs- 2" $100
Body lift- 2" $150
Should be able to get 33/10.5s under it then

 

You don't want to do the back end 5in. 2in is more then enough. From factory the rear of the truck is lifted about 2in higher then the front. Leveling kits, level the truck by only raising the front end to match the rear, usually only 2in. A lift kit lifts both front and rear.

Stick with the simple plan I laid out in my first post.

 

Agree with Crazy these are new keys, better than cranking your stockers so you don't lose your ride quality.

 

How would I turn the torsion keys on my 95 Dakota slt all my friends tell me I need a car lift but not many of us have those

 

It is in the FAQ2.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1979009-post2.html

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...ml#post1367253