greetings all, new here to this forum, but have just bought a 97 Dakota Sport 4x4 5.2, and beginning my customization - the normal things I have, removed all stickers, and did a custom grill, but now...

I am looking for a lift... and I like bigger lifts, so wondering my options here, I have done some digging and googl-ing for lifts for dakotas, and I can't seem to find a lot of options.... so my thoughts are to go with a 6" suspension lift and a 3" body lift, for 9" and then going with 37x12.50/15's...

two questions, one... does anyone have any pics of 2nd Gens with big lifts (I also wasnt able to turn up much with a google search or forum search)

and secondly, would a 12.50 wide tire fit safely on a 8" wide wheel (looking at new American wheels in 15x8) - or does it require a wider wheel?

thanks in advance...
here's a pic of truck as is...

 

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ll-around.html

 

'nuff said.

 

Here ya go.. This is varsis' dakota, one of the members on here who recently lifted his, wait for him to come on and give you the details.



And you're right there are not a lot of options on lifting these trucks. I think tuff country makes a 5.5" lift that is about 14-1500 dollars. But thats about it.

 

I run 12.50 on my 8 inch rim no problem.

 

Ranco makes a 6" lift, it's around 2 grand here. since you like big lifts you probably already know... but to be sure, combining suspension and body lifts will most likely void both warranties, and the warranty the shop gives when they install them.

 

yea varsis and his SAS is about the biggest i have ever seen on a dak, actually it IS the biggest i have ever seen on a dak, (actually idk if ive ever seen anything close to it before)

 

Google image search "pirate 4x4 dakota". Look for the black one with 4 wheel steering.

 

ok thanks for the replies... I'm seeing some sizes I like - I was warned by a local tire shop about a 37x12.50/15 - as having "a lot of sidewall" and might be having problems driving on the road every day like that... however, the 37's is what I like the looks of... am I gonna be forced to go down to 35's to get daily driveability?

 

get a bigger rim :-/