Any one use the Ranch 3" lift kit for the 2000-2002 Durango's? I'm thining about this kit as it seems to be the only viable option and I am not looking to go monster truck. I just want a little lift for body clearence and increased offroad capabilities. I am not going rock crawling. I do want to be able to tow and haul some loads though and not alter the drive line and ride characteristics too much. Would love to hear your opinions and experiences. Also I assume that the only way to gain ground clearance for my diffs etc. is larger wheel/tire diameter. Confirm please.

 

From what I've seen and read you are not going to gain any more height with the Rancho kit than you would with the shackle lift and torsion crank. With Rancho's advertising they say with the lift you can then fit a 265/75/16 tire, but thats the same as you can fit with the t/shackle lift. So in my opinion it not worth the2-3000 extra for the lift.

 

I agree there isn't going to be much lift but that is about as muchlift as I'm looking for. the concerning thing to me is the 5.5 inches of backspacing and the 16" wheel requirements. I spent some time looking for rims(not that I want any) and almost none of the major brands had any backspacing over 5" and that was hard to find and not in the correct bolt pattern. I guess my question is directed at those who have the lift( if any) and how the quality is and the benefits again if any. Right now I see little. Oh I have found this lift kit on line for under $1400 not on sale.

 

Well after several emails with a rep from rancho i've effectively decided thsi kit is a waste of money and time. Here's the low down.

1. You can only use 16x8 max wheels
2. They have a maximum backspacing requirement of 5.5 " which is huge.
3. If you don't use at least 5" of backspacing on the rim you will need to modify your fenders etc.
4. the maximum tire size you can run is 32"
5. It would cost about $3000 in lift parts and whells and tires to lift the truck effectively 1/2" over the 31.5 Tires that are stock on my rig.

Sure the actual diameter is more like 1-1.25" but that is hardly worth the cost and effort. I can most likely put a slightly taller tire on my 15" factory rims and achieve the same results. Now if only KORE would make a suspension package for the old and new generation Durangos. i'd happily spend the $4500 necesary there.

 

You can always do what I did

 

That's a Tuff Country 5.5 inch lift ..... 2 inch shackle/tosion lift........ 3 inch body lift....... 35 X 12.50 X 15 Pro Comp MT's with room to fit up to 38's

 

Looks awesome! How does it drive? Its looks a little top heavy in the corners.

 

Looks good I have to say. But I think the truck is so high it looks like you put it up on stilts. Now I love a lift but on smaller trucks I think more on the lines of 4" and some bigger tires. Now you get something like a full sized Ram 2500 HD with a diesel motor, Ya it looks good but I think our D's just need a little help. Now you got a lot of money on the outside of that truck so whacha got under the hood. V6

 

mtndewnut

Your D looks good don't get me wrong, but 5.5 inches is a little extreme for my Durango IMO.

I also have a 90 Chevy Suburban and I only have a 4-inch lift on it. 4 inches is more then I would want as well. My wife is only 5’2’’ and would need a step latter to get in to your rig. Like I said don't get me wrong, I like the look of you rig but that much lift is just not practical for 90% of us.

I came to this site and to this forum specifically looking for a 2-inch to 3-inch lift. I have found the leveling keys for the torsions, and that is what I am going to do.

I think the disappointing part for me is that the off road parts companies continue to ignore the small and midsized market (Unless its a Toyota[sm=smiley29.gif] )

Granted I don't believe that they should make a lift kit for every Honda Element, Kia Sorento or Hyundia Santa Fe SUV, but a rig as popular and common as a Durango/Dakota should at least merit some consideration from the R&D department of some lift manufacturer somewhere?

[sm=rant.gif] [sm=yikesomg.gif]

LOL sorry for the rant peeps!

 

I'm pretty disappointed with the offroad aftermarket for the Durango, as well. I think I'm just going to throw some go-fast mods at mine, and invest in a trail rig that won't cost a fortune to mod. It's a shame, though, my Durango performs so well offroad as it is, it just needs a little oomph that shouldn't cost in the $3k range.