So I知 wanting to do a solid axle swap on my 97 Dakota and I知 not sure exactly where to start I bought a solid axle from a 97 ram 1500 I would preferably do leaf springs instead of the coil overs this is my first build so the most info you can give would help

 

If you search this section, there are existing threads on the subject. Here’s one.

 

you'll have to fabricate your own hanger, its not that bad to do, as far as leaf springs go, theirs plenty of options,Im using 2" lift springs for a k5 blazer, glad i did that because stock height springs would have given me clearance issues with the Pittman arm, your gonna be at least 8" plus over the stock ride height ,anything less wont work, your gonna want crossover steering, preferably with flat top steering knuckles as well... you have a 97 so you've already got the steering gearbox( which is a huge time savings) mine is a 2001 and I had to convert from rack and pinion to the st gearbox...