hey all, i have a 98 dakota 2.5 5spd and i was reading somewhere that i could use leaf springs from another model dodge like a 1500 so long as the width of the springs were the same, IMO the 2.5 is fine for what i use it for, just the suspension doesnt hold up to the weight i put in the back

my 2.5 is bored 60 over and has a 4.0 TB, less than 10,000 miles and hasnt given me any issues since my last rebuild, the machine shop added some shims to my head which IMO wont allow for the valves to drop, id have done so by now if it was possible, because i rev the hell out of my truck and punch it ALL the time, i just dont like that i can only load up 6-7 appliances in the back and its bulldoggin.... *** on the ground and the nose in the air, the 2.5 can haul it just fine, just a suspension issue

 

Check rockauto I think they have an ad a leaf kit

What shims were did they put them and why?

You mean under the rocker shaft? why?

Do you still use the OEM air Hat if so you have one more mod that can help get more from the 2.9 you now have. That's moving the air temp sensor into the air hat then plug up the original hole I used an old sensor that I ground down so it doesn't obstruct air flow.

She runs smoother on take off I did this for 2 reasons the sensor obstructs air flow into that port and number 2 were it was located it was giving a wrong air temp reading 3 out of 4 times as its in only one port.

In the air Hat every temp reading is the same for every cylinder and the extra plus is the air temp sensor is no longer blocking air flow into that cylinder.

I also pulled the air tube out of the Hat that restricts air flow doing so will now give you a little more noise as that's all that tube dose quiets down the throbbing from the throttle body intake pulses.

 

They make load assist rear coilover shocks.

 

when i sent my head off for a valve job, the guy put some spacers/shims under the valves which tightened them a bit, and i see people comment that the 2.5 will float and drop valves, i dont know how true that is, because it hasnt happened to me, but i do need to buy different rocker arms and push rods because im sure the steel stamped oem rockers are killing my power

lets put it like this, Everyone thinks im running a 3.9, and i have someone that wants my truck if i sell it, he even sees how i drive it and doesnt care, says "if ur driving it and it hasnt broken, it aint gonna break" LOL

Does anyone know if there is a Cable clutch setup for the AX-15 versus hydraulic?? i ask because i personally HATE hydraulic

 

Oh ok like getting stronger springs only using the washer

On the clutch It may be possible from an older Dakota but I'm not sure how far back and what differences there may be.

Roller rockers you can get them but they/parts places always say for a Jeep only and if you call they say no they don't fit a Dakota because they don't know its the same engine 2.5 if they help I don't know.

I think the company is called Yella Terra but at $500 OUCH they better be good.

 

this is why i need to stiffen the rear

 

My '97 Sport 3.9 has Mopar helper springs installed. That definitely helps, and you can tighten up the shackle U bolts to put more or less tension in them.

 

X2 on the spring assist shocks.
i am sure there are a few add a leaf 'kits' out there.

 

Didn't they make a Dakota long bed?

Find one in a junkyard and get the springs off it just measure them to be sure they are the same size.

Long bed should be able to take more load but that is a guess

Found this web LINK

Not bad price also

 

all the 2.5s ive seen have a Really short box, ive seen one regular bed like mine and it was in a junk yard, as for on the street ive only seen Really short beds with the "Magnum Power" small rectangle badge on the fender, thats your 2.5 giveaway sign