hello everyone, here are links to the pictures i took after installing the 3" fabtech front lift and 33" bfgoodrich t/a ko tires. tell me what you think!

pic1, pic2, pic3, pic4, pic5, pic6

 

Are you going to lift the rear too?

 

I agree. It looks good, but the bigger tires look a little odd with no lift on the rear.

 

Nice truck but talk about stuffing dam man you get alot of rubbing? Also why you leave the rear down? doesnt the fab tech kit come with the rear add a leafs?

 

Is your Dak stick or auto? What impact did the 33's have on power and brakes? I noticed a change in both just going to 32s. Thats a lot of tire to get started and stop!
Also, do you get rub on tight turns? If not, is the offset on the aftermarket wheels different than stock? I'm running spacers and still get some run on tight turns (steering wheel locked left or right). Sorry for all the questions, but learning from others really helps me with my Dak decisions. Thanks, looks like hard work paid off!

 

no, im not going to lift the rear. future plans for the rear include about 17" - 20" of travel, but not much lifting. this is going to be a pure desert truck.

 

tell me about it, i was laughing that day because i never thought i would be able to stuff a 33" tire under those rear fenders. i was very surprised though about how they did not rub when tucked. it was very close, dont get me wrong, but no contact.

 

my dak is an auto im afraid. there is a substantial loss of acceleration and braking ability. furthermore, i believe to have lost about 4 mpg at this point at least. at this point the only time i rub is on full turn and the front inside of both tries will rub the frame. the only solution will be to notch the frame and apply a framing bracket. the wheels have an offset of 3.5" and let me tell you about hard work. i had the lower control arm so far down it was nearly vertical trying to get the springs in. it finally took me an 8' prybar, a floor jack, a friend and a lot of patience to get the job done.


chris

 

I'm curious as to where you bought this and how much it was?

I'd love to raise up the front end of my truck a little.

 

i purchased the fabtech lift kit on ebay for $81.00 (thats a steal considering i have seen the retail price as high as almost $1300 new. you can see the product at www.fabtechmotorsports.com). however, it did not come with shocks and the upper ball joints needed to be replaced. all said and done i paid about $200 for a complete 3" suspension lift for the front. to be honest i think it raised it more like 4" though because i think the springs were originally for a v8. the install was quite an adventure but for the money, you cant beat it. ebay offers many spring/spacer/cup lifts that will even out the front end of your dakota for a very reasonable price. i wish you luck and let me know how it turns out!


chris