I hear that there are no real lift kits for 4x4 2003 Dakotas. Also I was told that using your torsion bars to level your truck is a no no. Is there any good reputable ways to lift my truck? I just want the front to look like it's not snowplowing. Looking for about 2" for the front.

 

You can get at least 1.5" safely, maybe more, from the tbar. Just get an alinment after and its all good.

 

I cranked my T bars 2" and put 2" blocks in the rear and no problems yet.

 

Anyone else try anything with no problems??

 

cranked my torsion bars to 1 1/2", so far no problems

 

I cranked my t-bars up 2 inches. That was 8 years and 75,000 miles ago. I don't think I have had any more problems (ball jonts and such) than anyone else. But it will ride rougher, but I like it IT'SA TRUCK

 

You can buy body lifts and there are two suspension lifts out there. Rancho and one other you can get them in either 5.5" and 3" I think.

Chris

 

I might be wrong but thought I read thatthe 5.5 might be available for 99 and earlier only. For a suspension lift your only option might be the Rancho 3 inch. And even with that, there are restrictions so its not for all dakotas. Look at the Rancho site and I think it says the lift is not for manual tranny, AWD, and requires 16 inch wheels.

Like mentioned earlier, body lifts are common as are the torsion bar cranks. T-bar cranks are very common and not just on Dodges. All makes owners do it. You will have some folks scream about how horrible it is for the suspension butmost of the screaming seems to be people just regurgitating what they've read everywhereelse. There may in fact be some negative affect but I have not seen it.

The only negative I've seen is the rougher ride and thats a matter of preference. Personally I didn't like it so mine is normal.

 

If your looking for just leveling out the truck, the torsion bars are the way to go.

If your looking to do alot of off-roading dont waste your time on a rancho or tough country lift. The rancho gets you 3" of ground clearance for prob 2k installed (big whoop) and I have heard things about the tough country lift that make it more of a show lift, not meant for heavy off roading.

Now if your looking to do some off roading, then a solid axle swap is the way to go.late 70's f250 axles seem to be the best. With this setup you will gain clearance, articulation, and ability to clear at least 37" tires.

some examples:

http://www.4x4wire.com/feature/99dakota/solidaxleswap/leaf setup

http://thurenfabrication.com/arthursrig.html5 link setup