I want to put a lift on my 1992 dakota 4x4 5 speed with the 3.9L. I understand on how to lift the rear end, but the front, all i can seem to find is to change the keys. If so can anybody help me with a link to different keys or can i use my old ones. Btw i dont care on how much of a lift because right now any information would help. Thanks.

 

If you have torsion bars, you turn the key bolts to raise the front. You can usually get 1.5-2" that way. Or buy aftermarket lets that give more lift. Lots of videos in you tube describing how to "crank the torsion bars".

 

I'd go check your local junkyard and find a Dakota with a v8 in it, then grab the torsion bars off it. When you put them on, crank down the keys too. It lift it up enough that you can't really put the "lifted keys" on it because it's about maxed out at that point. I don't think it cost me $20 to grab the pair. I'm not sure how much it lift it gives, but I put 2" blocks on the rear, and flipped the rear shackle mount so it sits around 3-4" taller, and the front is almost level with it.
Also, check out the FAQ2 sticky on the main page, it has a lot of info on lift options and it tells you about how much lift you can expect from each options.

 

I appreciate it. How long did it take you to flip the rear shackle mount? And i understand that our trucks are completely different but how hard was it to get you bars and keys off? Mine is kinda rusty so i was just wondering. But thanks for the info already.

 

As far as flipping the rear shackles, I took the bed off with the help of a friend. 8 bolts to remove, unbolt the gas filler hose, unplug the brake lights. Then you can get to the mounts really easy. I used a grinder to get the old rivets cut off and drilled them out to 1/2", then just flipped them over and lined up 4 of the 6 holes, then re drilled the other two to line up. Then I used 1/2" bolts and tightened everything back down. Took probably half a day.

For the torsion bars, I always use my 1/2" breaker bar, its about 2 and 1/2ft long. Makes it go pretty quick and easy. The ones I found at the junkyard was by chance and I had to use my 3/8" ratchet and a piece of pipe to get enough leverage to pop them off. That's a workout. Also a hammer to knock them lose from the front control arms helps a lot, they tend to get rusted in place in there. I think I used the keys that the v8 bars had on them, but I believe they are identical to the v6 versions. That job takes about an hour.

I don't know if it makes it easier or not, but I like to jack the front end up so the tires are just barely off the ground. My theory is you aren't fighting all the weight of the truck pushing down on the suspension, so it should make it a little easier to adjust the keys.