im not satisfied at all. Engine on 4lock died in mud and in 4low gear are too low. Tires dont evacuate mud in low...frame hang to low and gas tank to.Stuck everytime and toyota's make fun of me turning around me. i may try 2.5 rear block but still $uX... very minor rub in front when flexing and jumping. only one positive pont is up hill its a tank in low.

think twice before you go offroad they perform bad compare to other pick up...

 

Unfortunately, the truck has a rather long wheel base...and your body lift kit cannot help you with the low riding frame.

Perhaps a second hand jeep for your off roading adventures...

This truck is designed for on road 4x4 situations. The front end is built for comfort. The truck is a great work/haul vehicle. I am pretty sure that is what was in mind with this generation dakota.

Also, your comments on the gearing...your running those giant tires in your sig pic right?

 

I've put mine in some very tight spots while it won't go every where a jeep will go itkeepsup pretty well for mine being stock would take it to a TTC no but for weekend trails I'm happy and as for tires..... Not the daks fault also what size engine are you running I've never had mine die on me

 

I was honestly impressed when I took my truck offroading with a worn down set of tires. It really doesnt do too bad, but I wasnt trying to bury it. The only time I got stuck was when I took it in a corn field after a rain storm, but that was due to my ignorance. The front end rides low, but it still is capable of a lot more than your average driver would ever demand from a midsize truck.

 

i've taken my truck through deep water and mud and 4 feet of snow and not once has it gotten stuck or hesitated...idk i love it the way it is!

 

TBH, a lot of it has to do with the line you choose, the speed you drive, and just mainly driver skill. I have been perfectly happy with my truck in mud and rocky mountain situations. The thing climbs up hills in 4lo and I didn't have a problem spinning the tires in 4lock.

The frame is too low for mud or rocks so the small 2" leveling and 2" block in the rear get you up to the clearance that the new tacomas and frontiers have. You shouldn't have a problem hanging with those guys (including the new Jeeps without a lift). You should actually have a small advantage if you have the v8 for the mud.