Will a lift kit for a 1998 Dakota fit on a 2002? If not, can someone explain why? Thanks for any help.

 

I will move this to the 2nd generation Dakota sub-forum.

 

They switched to rack and pinion steering from 2000+.

The 97-99 lift you see won't work cause of that.

Your options for your 02 are (assuming its a 4x4):
-3 inch Body Lift $250
-2 inch Blocks for the rear $150
-2 inch max gain from cranking your torsion bars -free
-3 inch leaf shackle flip for the rear - free

2wd:
-2 inch coil spacers
-1 inch approx gain from v8 springs (assuming you have a v6)
-3 body lift.

All i'm aware of, cheers.

 

So the 97-99 doesn't have the rack and pinion? I'm not trying to sound dumb, I just don't have much mechanical experience.

 

Or experience with Dakotas for that matter.

 

Nope, rack and pinion was only introduced in the 2000+ models.

 

My 97 has rack n pinion its 2wd with power steering

 

Sorry I should have been more clear. I believe 2wd Dakotas came with rack and pinion, but 4x4 came with A steering box.

In 2000 4x4 Dakotas switched to rack and pinion as well.
Someone else may be able to confirm this.