Im looking to either convert my 4x2 2008 dakota to 4x4 or buy parts to make it hold its own offroad. What parts would I need to make it 4wd and what year truck would I need for parts?...I found a few 2005 4x4 salvages online for around 3k and my friend can do all the work for me so trading my truck in for a 4x4 isnt really something I would want to do.however I havent found any 2002 or newer salvages in my state so I may look for parts around local junkyards....What exact parts would I need. Thanks in advance

 

I have converted my truck to 4wd. The easiest way is to swap frames. Get a 4wd frame with same engine and cab style as you. Then swap the frame over. Now mine doesn't have as many electronics as your does. So you will need to swap over wires and computer. Lot's of work. You can add in a solid front axle and 4wd tranny and transfer case but going to have to cut all the front end parts and weld in more parts. So decide how much time and money you can spend and see if it is worth it to you.

 

universal manual shift transfer case, custom driveshafts, front axle off a jeep, fabbed front frame horns and suspension components....way easier and cheaper than getting factory dakota 4x on your truck...might just considering selling your truck and getting a 4x if you wanna put factory dakota parts on it. and if you get old school jeep parts than little to no electrical for anything


our front suspension is the same. on my 2x you can see all the mount points and the splines in the hubs. if your welder savvy than go with a manual xfer case and fab everything up. plus some slap sticks popping up through the floor would look sick!

 

06dak is right...all that work and you're going to have a stock 3G 4x4. Slightly less ground clearance as the 4x2, same short-travel front end and balljoints, no lift available, etc. lame.

 

Yeah keep your 4x2 dakota and enjoy it, and spend a few grand on a machine strickly for wheeling. Look for an old solid axle mid 80s toyota 4x4, or a CJ.


OR, if you really MUST use your dakota 4x2 offroad...then you could always simply invest in a lock rear differential, a great set of tires, and a winch. You would probablly do better then you think.

I would go with buying a wheeling truck though.

 

God I loved the looks of the Gen ones 94 to 96. I had a 95 loved the looks hated the crap that was always in the shop for. Anyway If I where going to a 4X4 I would go for another truck. They’re dirt cheep used and you could sell yours out right. Messing with a computer controlled system is just going to haunt you.

 

I already bought a winch for it,I was thinking maybe a lift and tires then a rear locker....I have a laramie edition so if I sold it I would be stepping down to a less nice truck :/ I don't want any real serious offroading....no rocks or anything like that but maybe some mud andstuff like that.

 

what year jeep parts would work?

 

WAste of money would be so much better to sell and by 4x4

 

yeah i think ima just lift/tires/locker