Im looking at doing a suspension lift on my 01 Dakota. Im doing blocks in the back. However Im not sure what to do in the front. Ive looked at buying torsion keys to lift it but people say that it escalates wear on other parts. Ive seen that some people keep all OE parts and just crank the torsion bars. Is this better to do? also If i just crank the bars how much lift can I expect?

 

My 97' I got about 1.5" lift on one side over factory and the other side i got about 1.1" lift.. the key and bar sits kinda oddly but was able to balance it out..
not sure if there is a difference between teh 97 and 2001 keys and bar or not.

 

If I are to buy the aftermarket keys would I actually get 2 to 3 inches out of them?

 

I think from what i have read you can achive an extra inch or so.. being the factory keys already give you an inch to inch and half over factory those other keys do the same thing but a little extra.. but as most have said when you do it your changing the geomotry and your going to wear things out quicker.

Matter of fact when you go that much you need to do an alignment its going to throw stuff off..

But to do it right there is a kit for 3Grand that upgrades things (not worth it for 3" IMO) or you start looking at swapping axels and doing a custom mod job with full size axles.

Cracking the torsion keys you have will 'level' the truck with the *** end and make it look like it has more of a lift on it than it currently does. thats the problem with these trucks are the front end and the half axel really limit the lift you can do>>

 

Alright thanks for answering!

 

Might keep checking back see what else anyone else has to say.. i only know cus i was looking into the same stuff..

 

The stock keys will gain you just enough to level with the rear of the truck. About 1.5-2in. The higher you go the more stress gets put on the front suspension parts. If you are looking for a little higher look then look into cranking the stock keys and adding a 2in body lift. I ran 32's with just my front cranked. Also made the truck look a heck of a lot better!

 

That's what I was starting to think. Just cranking the stock keys then doing a 2 or 3 inch body lift.

 

I've been considering the body lift but the only thing stopping me is the darn instructions on having to cut the fan shroud.. i mean if it does not properly fit your going to limit your air flow..

I had posted before about some photos of that area after wards but no one seems to want to share.. LOL

 

Use the opportunity to replace your fan and fan shroud with an electric fan. That way, you don't need to cut the shroud, plus you get the other benefits of an electric fan (quieter engine, slightly more HP, etc.).