I've been wondering what the differences in the 1997-1999 and the 2000-2002 suspension are. They make a 3 inch lift for the 2000-2002 and I was wondering if it would fit on a 1998. thanks for any help.

 

In 2000, the Dakota switched from a Saginaw steering box to a rack-and-pinion, and the balljoint design was changed a bit as well.

IMO, I think the pre-2000 dakotas are better. But maybe I am just Bias againts rack and pinion, I think that system has no place on a truck.

There should be 97-99 lift kits available, its 2000+ that are hard to get from what I understand.

Just dont go with an incomplete kit, like a leveling kit. You want a full kit that drops your front diff, takes care of ball joint angles and the like. Your 98 dakota has great clearance right at stock ride height. Us third gen guys wish we had THAT, let alone a lift kit.

 

ummm.. i have rack/pinion on my 97. that hasnt changed

you might be right about the balljoint design, im pretty sure the control arms are different

im a big fan of rack/pinion over the box since they handle better and are easier to maintain

 

Do you have 2wd though? I was talking about 4x4s. I am pretty sure the dakota 4x4s used steering boxes, then went to rack and pinion in 2000. I am not sure if thats the same thing for 2wd, maybe they have always had rack and pinion from the get go.

 

How do the 2 steering systems differ?

 

THE RACK & PINION WITH THERE GARBAGE INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS ARE "JUNK". bUT THAT'S JUST MY OPINION.

 

you're right i totally skipped a thought, mine is 2wd

i think i need to get a 4x4 so i know how they work too haha

rckbrk ive got 119K on mine and the steering has never been a problem everything is still tight as a fleas butthole