Tuff country makes a 5.5" suspension lift for the 97-99 4x4 dakota, but i have a 2003. i want this kit bad why won't it work for the 03 4x4 dakota? what is the differences between the 97-99 and the 03?????

 

97-99 have recirculating ball design steering, with center links, etc.

You don't. You have rack and pinion.

 

It's possible to install a steering box on the frame and use the Tuff Country kit on the later trucks, but it's a lot more work, just to make a kit work that isn't that great, anyway. By the time you do all that, you're better off doing a SAS.

 

what is an SAS?

 

Solid axle swap.

 

The others are correct. I own a 97 Dakota with a torsion key lift up front to make room for 33x10.50r15s and have already had to put cv axles in it. I myself am looking into doing a sas to my truck.

 

how much lift would the sas give me in the front

 

Anywhere from about 4" to 12", depending on how you set it up. Mine (in my sig pic) is probably 6-7".

 

how much should i expect to pay to get a solid axle after labor(85$), parts , and installation?

 

Just figure $3,000 and hope you have money left over. Also depends on what axle you use and where you get it.