Figured I would start a build thread for my truck, I'm starting a 3-4 stage build over the next few months to make my truck what I've always wanted.

Here is what it replaced, a 2002 Honda accord coupe with a 3.0. Fun little car that was pretty quick and man I got on it a lot. But I traded it in for my truck because I need something more capable in the winters and more room to haul my **** to school and back.

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I goto school in Dallas, PA hence the title of the thread, so if anyone is up in NEPA and wants to wheel let me know!

Well onto the goodies here's my truck when I first got her. 2004 Dakota 4.7 with 110k on the clock. PO had put in a K&N intake and single exit exhaust with a freakin cannon at the end of it. Along with some HID fogs that have a bad attitude (work half the time) and some upgraded meats! Love the way she sounds. Her name is Boo for any of you wondering! Haha

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Day I first got her, riding high at pepboys. Had to get some floormats
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Classy ricer esq parking lot picture with the bull bar I just put on and freshly tinted winders. 15% all around over factory tint in the back as well

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DOING THE DIRTY! Some Father's Day wheeling

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"C'mon girl just the tip!"

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My plan for this build is the three stages like I said. It's going to be on a budget because I'm still the classic broke college kid forced to eat ramen and protein powder and call it a meal.

So far I've got a fan swap, rims and some plasti dip lined up. Who knows where she could end up after that! Stay tuned!

 

First mod had to be some stickers

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Also found out the other day that the pass side CV joint is going. Had some strange noises when turning at full lock so I had that checked. That will be replaced this coming week and then ill get started with the build.

 

Welcome!

Nice looking truck, hope ya enjoy her.

 

Thanks!

Gonna go with some steel wheels, has anyone else had any trouble finding lot of options with the 6x4.5 lug pattern? I've only found 3 or 4 different sets for my price range. Think I'm gonna end up going with these

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Wheels/Se..._pn=PCW98-6868

 

I just painted the stock mags on mine black - I'm happy with em.

Make sure that you get rims with plenty of backspacing incase you ever decide to get larger tires for your Dak (providing you lift it) because I know finding aftermarket ones with appropriate backspacing for our trucks can be difficult.

I don't know much about after market rims but the name I see alot are Cragar Soft 8's which look almost identical to those ones there. Maybe they are the same I have no idea!

 

Looks like a pretty nice truck to start with. I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out. Make sure you take lots of pictures and keep us updated.

 

well flat lander welcome to NEPA.

 

well stage 1 is half way done! Took a long drive tonight to a few stores, none of which really had what I was looking for. So back to ole reliable Tractor Supply! Got a bed box that sits below the edges so I can put a tonneau cover on in the future if I want, and I also dislike the "work truck" look.


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along with this came some locks for obvious reasons and some bolts. I plan on bolting the box down to the bed, any ideas for this? I picked up 2 3/8x1.5 in and 2 3/8x2 in bolts with washers and nuts, unsure of which to use because i really dont feel like stabbing my gas tank.. tips would be appreciated!

the other half of stage 1 will be ordered on monday, mechanical clutch fan delete with an e- fan replacement. either a taurus fan or something of the such, whichever is cheaper and will work! I want to get a good controller though, but nothing too expensive and something that will be here next week ..so again recommendations??

 

also i forgot to mention the PO lifted it about 2.5 inches. Probably a T-Bar crank w/ new shocks in the front, and theres some blocks under the leafs in the rear. Thinking about a 3" body kit eventually as well

and I got some bad news today too, the shop I work for wont be able to touch my front end until next week. so i really hope my wheels dont fall off! haha

 

Small update -- ordered an electric fan planning to do that swap. Any suggestions on fan controls? I found this one on summit for a decent price

Flex-a-lite adjustable fan contro thermostat l has 160-240 degrees
http://m.summitracing.com/parts/flx-31147