Ok so before you go crazy over my username the reefer comes from saltwater reef aquariums which is my other hobby. I have a 150 gallon reef tank with corals and assorted saltwater fish. I got into that hobby and did it right by a forum which I hope to do the same with my truck.

I wanna buy the 2" body lift from PA.

http://www.performanceaccessories.com/catalog/dodge.htm

Instructions (pdf file)

http://www.performanceaccessories.co...s/642_642X.pdf

Now if I was to buy this would I be able to install it? I have stand tools and am decent with snowmobiles motor bikes... etc. Never installed a body lift kit. Would ya'll be able to walk me through it if i stumbled upon somethin or didnt understand parts of the intructions? Like really stupid stuff? I have a buddy who would be able to help me out and his dad is in the hot rod biz so I could get tools from him.

Is it doable?

 

Yes it is very doable. It is easy. First you didn't say what your truck is. I see it a 95. But what engine, drivetrain?

There are only a few things to watch out for.

If it is an automatic you will need to cut and weld in a spacer for the shift linkage, the spacer is included.

If 2wd you will need to cut and weld in a spacer also for the steering shaft.(Not included)

If it is a V6 or V8 you will need to make relocation brackets for the fan shroud to locate it down 2in. Easy to do. Or its a good time to go with electronic fans.

You will need to re-drill your bumper brackets mounting holes 2in up to make them fit the body. Both bumpers.


No special tools needed, besides the welder for the spacer. If needed take it to a muffler shop. And don't forget to get a good tall jack. If needed use a 4x4 wood on top the jack to reach the body.

And the most important thing, make sure you take before and after pictures to post up here!

 

95 v6 4x4

I would definitely take the linkage and spacer to a muffler shop to get it welded.

For the fan shroud, I was over viewing the directions and it just says the bottom will be cut to fit the fan. Would that work? Or am I reading it completley wrong?

How expensive would electric fan be?

Redrilling brackets for front and back bumper is definitely someting I can do.

I have no problem buying a taller jack... somethin you can always use !

Here is a picture of the truck now:


Sorry for so many questions...

 

You can cut the shroud. But I would say it is easier and better if you just relocate it down. Electric fans vary in price. $80 or so. Depending on the fan you may need two.

One more thing is the lower radiator hose will need to be cut. I believe the instructions says this. I didn't need to when I did mine. I believe due to the electric fans didn't get in the way of the hose. Another member didn't cut it and it put a hole in it. Here is his post.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...ting-that.html

 

Ok well it doesnt say to straight up cut it, it just says to notch it so I will probably take a dremel to it and get a real nice notch in there. It doesnt say to cut and relocate radiator hose, just to check that it has enough slack to be raised. I will definitely check to make sure it isnt getting cut by the fan or anything and most likely trim it just so I dont have a bunch of slack.

Hate to say it but that guys bad luck helped me out I guess.

Now to order the kit... recommend buying the gap guards? Or a waste of money? any way to DIY gap guards?

 

I say they are a waste of money. The gap is barley visible. But it is up to you if you need it.

 

waist of money all it is, is a peice of rubber hanging all over your truck and it gives it a dead give away that you have a BL

 

Thanks everyone. Decided its too much, no time w/ school and rugby. Ive called a few places and they are all giving me the same "i dont like body lifts" and i get it cause they take so long to put in (costs more). They all recommend a leveling kit. How do leveling kits work? and where can I find one... these are two i found but they are either for 2wd or 1997 and up... I have a 1995 4x4 extended. Will any of them work?

heres all of em
http://motors.shop.ebay.com/Lift-Kit...e&Model=Dakota

and a few that ive looked at

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-...ht_1890wt_1165

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dodge...s#ht_919wt_939

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DODGE...ht_4478wt_1165

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997-...ht_1774wt_1165



Anyone ever use a newer model leveling kit??? is the suspension the same on all dakotas? Thanks for your help in advance guys i know im a big noob when it comes to trucks.

 

another 2wd...

http://www.jcwhitney.com/suspension-...DetailTabPanel

 

First of all some body lifts can be intensive. Ours is not. You can do in a few hours. Get a buddy to help you and knock it down sooner. It is not hard at all. Just do it your self. If you start tomorrow at 9am you'll be done by noon or earlier.

From factory the rear of the truck is higher then the front, so when you put a load in it, it will level out. A leveling kit lifts up only the front of the truck to make it level.
If you want to make it level just crank up the torsion bars, which is free.
And no the other years and Ram kits will not work.

A lift kit will lift front and rear. Like this one. That is more work then the body lift. Both together work good.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-...item19c02384f5

All of that info is in the FAQ2 in this section.