which stock size? Stock for our trucks ranged from ~26" (235/60-15 IIRC) to 30" (265/70-16, what many people switch to).

 

31" was stock too!

 

Tires on this truck are 235/75/R15.

 

that's a 29, so really not that small. terribly narrow, but alright height.

 

Still small tires imo. Anyway if its just a simple torsion bar crank all you have to do is loosen the torsion bar bolts a few times to bring the front down. You dont have to get it aligned but it is recommended that you do just to keep your tires happy.

To me it sounds pretty typical for a 100,000 mile truck. Check u joints,brakes,ball joints,tie rods.

 

I think most guys lift the front to level the look...I'd see why the back is lower first. Tired springs...Old shocks?

If you do adjust the torsion bars be sure to lift the front off the ground. I use a silver Sharpie and make marks for a reference point. Drive around the block and let things settle and check it again.

NOTE:
I wouldn't do it until after you check and or replace some of the front end suspension components dodgeramguy85 mentioned. Adjust the bars...Then get some new tires and an alignment.

 

Thanks for the tips.

Custer, what exactly are you referencing with the sharpie? And to confirm, the alignment were talking about is a basic steering alignment, correct? Just checking that you truckers aren't using any special lingo on me...

I'll talk it over tonight with my dad if I should make an offer. My dad always says to never buy the first one you see, but the body on this is in great condition, I think it'd be hard to beat (great white north uses a ton of salt during winter).

 

The head of the torsion bolts...Draw a mark on the head parallel to a mark on the housing/frame, whatever. This will help keep track of your turns.

Yes...standard wheel alignment.

 

Right on, thanks again. I will be discussing offers (with my dad) tonight. If I lower it back to stock it I can pretty much count on doing the tie-rods and balljoints, have to factor all this into my budget. I still really like the truck though

I may also check out a few F150's... not sure if I should be saying that here...

Cheers fellas.

 

Not saying it needs ball joints or tie rods just saying they are common problems with the dakota. As far as the f150 thing its no big deal if its a older one. The newer ones are made pretty cheaply(05+). My pap has one and even with the 5.4 it seriously lacks in the power department. We used to have a 02 f150 4.6 and it had 152k on it only problem we ever had was coil packs on it about every 30k. Seems like around 100k is when they started to fail. Other than that it was a good truck and for having a 4.6 is was pretty decent on power and mpg.