I have decided to do a 2" suspension lift on my 06 dakota standard tranny v6. I was going to use 2" lift leaf spring shackles on the rear of the leaf springs in the back, and a 2" leveling kit in the front.

My question is, with a 2" lift is there anything that could go wrong? any clearance or slack problems? brake lines? anything? Its only 2 inches so i didnt think there was going to be any problems like that, but its better to check first. Does anyone know of anything?

 

You will need to get an alignment after installing the (I am assuming they are spring spacers) lift in the front. Also, have a friend around for help and a big ply bar.

 

The front is being done with a "ReadyLift" 2" leveling kit. I am looking at it at autoanything and the details are slim. The rear shackle details are slim as well. Should I just pay to get this stuff installed? It's going to be my first time ever doing this. I always do my own work on my pickups, but its usually bolt on repairs, things like that. I've never tackled a lift before. What tools are needed? The kits say basic hand tools, and the readylift says no spring compression required. Is this realistic?

 

I used the Trailmaster Kit on mine and it wasn't really that hard at all. I did need a spring compressor though to install the spacers, but with it being a different brand, I'm not sure. I used a strut compressor actually, alot easier and safer than a spring compressor. Other then that, justa floor jack and stands, basic hand tools, sockets, impact gun, breaker bar, pry bar. Nothing crazy. One thing I will say, you'll more than likely have to unbolt your sway bar at the end links. Just remember, it bolts on both sides, left and right. I've seen guys fight with it for awhile before they realized this and unbolted the other side. Then it just swings upout if the way. I watched a guy a the base auto shop fight with it for like 15 minutes this weekend before he figured it out. Kind of funny to watch, but a pain in the *** if its you. As far as the rear, I haven't messed with it on my Dakota, but with you only going 2 inches, I would think the brake lines should be able to handle it. I've done it before on my other trucks no problem. But like 4" or more, then your going to need new brake lines, drive shafts lengthened, stuff like that. Anyways, good luck.

 

Actually I just went and looked at the Readylift kit, and if the kitis like the pic on thefront of the box,then no, you shouldn't need a spring compressor. Looks like it bolts on on top of the shock/coil-over then it has bolts to bolt into the upper mount. The Trailmaster kit is different in that its a spacer thatbolts in the same spot, but requires you to install longer studs for it.

 

yeah please followup with pics, I'm planning on going with a 3" body lift and 2" leveling kit within 1-2 months

 

Also let us know what you use for the rear spacer plates. I'm sure you are going to use4wheelparts.com but let us know if you just used the basic plates without the swaybaror shock mounts.