I saw this lift kit from Performance Accessories that is a 3" body lift and a 2" spacer lift in the front. Is anyone on here running a 2" spacer in the front? I know friends with other trucks (mainly Tacomas) who say spacer lifts are just awful and really compromise ride quality because you compress the spring with the lift. If you have this kind of lift on your gen 3 Dakota I'd like to get your take.
Considering doing a 3" body lift and adding some bigger tires but that will only get me a couple extra inches of clearance and it sounds like rubbing could be an issue with 33" tires unless I do some trimming or go for more lift. Hence my interest in the suspension lift (not to mention the extra 2" of clearance on top of what I get from the bigger tires).
Thanks!

 

The Trailmaster leveling kit are 2" spacers that are mounted inside of the strut package. What they do is preload the spring, giving you a 1 1/2" lift and stiffens the ride getting rid of that annoying soft bounce. You know, the one that makes you think your driving a boat while going down the highway. Front end going up and down. It's definitely an improvement, not a compromise. The Daystar kit mounts on the the outside of the strut package and will give you 2'' lift. You should replace the crap OEM struts if you install one of these kits. I have Monroe struts paired with the TM kit. Huge improvement in ride. The Rancho struts are a bit stiffer and probably better matched with the Daystar kit since the outside mounting doesn't load the spring up as much and stiffer shock will help work on that bounce.

 

do it!!!

mine is 5,5 lift front 5'' rear with 33 11.5 16

 

In trucks where actual lifts, springs, shocks, and so on are available for lifting, I wouldn't consider the spacer kit. In these trucks, I would agree its a nice addition. Technically you are getting rid of some articulation of your front suspension, but there is way to much anyways. I don't regret doing my 1.5" spacer kit. If you don't want to compromise the stiffness of the strut assembly, look in to an over-the-strut kit which just brings the whole assembly down from the strut hat.

 

Dude your truck looks bad ***! That is the look I want and I bet it would be a beast in the mountains out here.

 

Thanks for all the info on the spacer lift. Sounds like it is a good, inexpensive way to get some more clearance and room for some beefier tires. I think that might be a good temporary fix until I can afford a serious front end upgrade. Hoping 06Dak287 has a lift kit ready to go by next summer!
I know what you mean about the front being a little loose, so a little extra tension up there wouldn't be a bad thing.
Just got my truck a few weeks ago and love it so far. I have taken it on some pretty gnarly mountain roads a couple times since then and am pleased so far. We went camping up near Estes Park and powered up this rutted rocky dirt road and everything is stock right now and my tires are not that great. I'm used to driving a compact SUV before this so it was a world of difference!
I am really happy with the power of the 4.7L V8, traction and handling. Also love the styling of the truck and it's a nice size. Really glad I didn't go for the Tacoma! The biggest drawback for me is the suspension. I think some lift, new shocks and some TLC will get me through the winter and then the serious work will begin.
Thanks again for all the help so far and I think this is a great resource and community!

 

I am very pleased with my 2" daystar kit and monroe sensatrac struts.

 

I was up at Estes Park 3 weeks ago, Everything was SO green!

 

You guys with the TM spacer that goes IN the strut. do you still have contact with the spring and upper arm?

 

I wouldnt get your hopes up man. Just got laid off but started working for my dad again so not sure what my checks are going to be like. And I wont start reworking on the lift i was designing because i came to the reality that most people are window shoppers. I cant afford to dump my own personal money into something that wont feed me lol.

The kit that i AM still designing is for my personal 2wd dakota but will work with 4wd trucks.....and if you have to ask...you cant afford. So far my steering upgrade tightened up the front end quite a bit and doesnt jerk the steering wheel anymore over potholes and speed bumps. We shipped out our first online customers kit so hopefully youll see pictures of it on here and it might get some of you guys to realize im not ripping people off lol. other than that weve just been selling stuff localy. making money online is way harder

But CO aint to far from vegas so if you have the dime....well build you whatever you want.