Ok well I finally finished the 2" lift of my 06 dakota. The front has a 2" leveling kit which is coil spring spacers. The rear was originally going to be done with shackles but I found out that the dakota system is backwards and the shackle kit I got needed some customization, so instead I picked up a 2" lift block kit at my autoparts store for $25. Prob shoulda did that in the first place. The kit was universal but fit like it was made for our trucks. (mst leaf spring/axle assembles are the same). Here are the pics:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e8...l/DSCN1568.jpg


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e8...l/DSCN1569.jpg


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e8...l/DSCN1570.jpg

I think its the perfect ammount of lift for daily use. I am using all stock shocks/struts, and will report how they do, but so far the ride is near stock and feels great.

 

Looks good!! What size tires are you running? I think I read in another post that you have 32" on there now but let me know for sure.

 

Yes, 32" or 265/75-r16. thx.

 

Well I didnt mind either way, the raked look looks fine to me, and the level look was really good too. I wanted the rear lifted to complete the entire lift, rake or no lift. I wanted the bed to be higher as well.

 

Looks good. Are you going to change out the wheels and tires next?

 

dang it does look good! especially with the bigger tires, it looks full, and as high as a truck should be. Maybe next time I need to buy tires I'll plan ahead and order the 265-75 size, lookin good monkey!

 

Yeah just to add some further info, 2" blocks in the rear and 2" spacers in the front is the max you can safely go on stock shocks and struts, and the e-brake line for the rear drivers side drum just safely makes it with enough play after the install of the 2" blocks. When your bolting your axle back up with the U-bolts, you gotta disengage the e-brake to get the tension and pull off it to line the axle back up. Just a tip. This is Day 3 and still great ride, not a foreign noise or any handling problems.

 

I like it man! Looks good. Thanks for the pics.

As soon as I can get my issues with the level kit worked out I will be doing the same thing, probably just a 1" block in the rear though.