Allright, so in the perpetual style of "I like to work on stuff", I was recently cruising craigslist for random dodge dakota parts. I always keep an eye on there incase a steal happens to show up. Anways, while researching, I found a guy selling a 3" body lift kit, for $200.

The advertisement is here: http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/pts/398264861.html

So I've got some questions for all of you Dakota geeks:

-Is that even a good price for a 3" body lift kit?

-What is the difference that I can expect performance wise? I will be adding larger tires of course to the mix. Can I expect reduced milage? Noticably reduced torque? Less smooth ride?

-What is the difference between a body lift and a suspension lift, performance wise, exactly?

 

if your going to do any off roading then I wouldnt to a BL lift. but if it more for show, then you should be fine. I dunno what they go for new, but if its used. that seems pretty high.

 

Yeah, it is used. I won't be doing any heavy duty off roading, just some. It would be more for the sake off additional clearance, and looking burly


I'm surprised no one in here has any solid information or experience with this topic.

 

Big J to the rescue!

A Body lift seperates the frame of the truck from the body using high strength spacers. It will allow you to clear larger tires and is a cheap alternative to a suspension lift. A body lift does NOT give you any additional ground clearance, the frame of the truck remains at the same hieght whereas a suspention lift raises the frame. As with any lift you will experience an increase in body roll as your center of gravity is now higher, but its nothing to be concerned about. I would recomend a body lift to anyone persuing a raised look. You might experience a slight decrease in gas mileage due to the increased wind resistance but nothing to be concerned of.

As for larger tires it all depends on how much larger over stock you are going as to what effects you will get. The larger the tire the less torque you will have unless you regear. (im still runnig 33s on my stock 3.21 gears, manual trans tho, i dont reccomend for auto)

Keep in mind that a body lift will take you the whole day to complete with a buddy's help, and that there are many parts. I would not purchase a "Used" kit, you WILL NOT get all of your parts. I looked at your link though and I would take it in a heartbeat. if thats what you are looking for. He said its new in box and he is throwing in the gap guards, as long as he doesnt rape you on shipping you can be sitting pretty by the end of the weekend. You are looking at spending at least $300 + shipping for what he is offering from a reputable site.

I have never heard of anyone ever having a problem off roading with a body lift either.

 

Good information. I'll consider it. I may just go for a tonneau cover instead, since it's something I actually NEED.

 

http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/pts/368762692.html

$40.00 PA lift kit from local craigslister.

 

i was going to buy a body lift for my 04 and i was going to have someone install it professionally. is $300 a good price to install everything plus make all the adjustments?

 

I had a 85 ford bronco with a 4" suspension lift and a 6" body lift. and it was on 40" super swampers. that thing took a real good beating. but the 6" BL was just too big. the body kept on shifting and sometimes I couldnt even open up the doors. but you will have no problem with a 3" BL.

 

ya a 3 inch isnt bad. i have never heard of a 6 inch. ive heard of 2 or 3 but where could you find that. i just want to see the kit. lol.

 

6" Body lift? Holy Crap! No wonder you had so many problems. There are reasons they only come up to 3". anything over 3" is Un-Safe for any use. Did you actually buy that kit somewhere, fab it yourself or what?

As for your question dapirate559, just assume it takes about 12 hours from start to finish to do it on your own, so that comes to 25 an hour to do the install. If you can afford to have it done by all means go for it, it sounds like a good price to me. BLs are worth the effort to do but they are gay...lots of little things to watch for. If the work is being done legit, meaning reciepts and warrantys, it is well worth it, imo.