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jl93sundance
03-01-2009, 11:24 PM
My dad has an 03 2wd dakota that i'm looking into ordering a lowering kit for. I found this one on ebay:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DODGE-DAKOTA-Lowering-Kit-2-3-Drop-97-98-99-00-01-02_W0QQitemZ390013217949QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_ Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?_trksid=p4506.m20.l111 6
Is this a decent kit? Also what shocks would you recommend to by as well? And has anybody lowered their dakota? Pics?

Thanks
Turbo3Iroc
03-01-2009, 11:35 PM
I haven't been into the sport truck stuff in awhile but I probably wouldn't get that kit. The ampunt of drop isn't that bad but you can get there with the stock springs in the front unless dad likes the harsher ride.

I had a 2-4 drop on my 96 using drop spindles in the front and drop springs in the back. It rode and handled well but I lost my cargo capability. If I had to do it again I'd have kept the stock springs in the back and used a shackle or hangar kit.

It's a bit more work but the ride quality will be worth it in the end. I also used Bell Tech shocks, they weren't that expensive and rode well.
neongary
03-02-2009, 12:26 PM
My dad has an 03 2wd dakota that i'm looking into ordering a lowering kit for. I found this one on ebay:http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DODGE-DAKOTA-Lowering-Kit-2-3-Drop-97-98-99-00-01-02_W0QQitemZ390013217949QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_ Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?_trksid=p4506.m20.l111 6
Is this a decent kit? Also what shocks would you recommend to by as well? And has anybody lowered their dakota? Pics?

Thanks

Shorter coils will typically give you a crap ride and lowering blocks are unsafe junk.
Western Chassis makes a 2" drop lower control arms p/n 12311 and they come with ball joints.
They have a variety of shackle and hangar kits to lower the rear. A lot of what you need is how low do you want to go? A mild lowering (2"-3") and you typically can keep your stock springs and keep a decent ride.
Of course any time you lower your truck you lose some functionality, ie: towing, load carrying etc.
I would suggest getting all of the same branded products together that way you know they will all work together.
If you pick up a Sport Truck magazine or similar publication, they normally have dozens of ads for these products.
TurbododgePirate
03-02-2009, 02:47 PM
I second the above. Western Chassis, or Belltech. A couple guys bought cheap drop spindles from AIM on ebay, the machining is crap. I got lucky and found a used set of Belltech drop spindles.
Turbo3Iroc
03-02-2009, 02:50 PM
Yes, you get what you pay for with AIM and other low cost products.
jl93sundance
03-02-2009, 07:43 PM
So it looks like I should spend a little more money and be better off in the long run.
layapatch
03-06-2009, 03:00 PM
On my 97 Dakota I have Ground Force 2"/3" drop. It has the shorter coil springs in the front and I have de-arched springs in the back. I like the dearched springs better than using blocks to lower the rear. I have no issues on loading up the rear with cargo. It rides a little stiffer but I have the ground force shocks on it which aren't the greatest and I also have 20" wheels on it as well. Corners pretty nice for a truck!
JDAWG
03-06-2009, 05:42 PM
Dont ever buy garbage from AIM!
TurbododgePirate
03-11-2009, 10:08 AM
Dont ever buy garbage from AIM!

Hahaha I didn't. I let someone else on the boards buy it, and get pissed off at the poor quality and restocking fees first :)
JohnnyIroc
03-11-2009, 11:16 AM
i always wanted a Dakota in that body style was my favorite truck
i was going to lower it paint it flat black with pin strips and black rims
now that I'm thinking about it i want one again
Turbo3Iroc
03-11-2009, 12:53 PM
Mopar318 has that truck for sale John. Check the FS area.
JohnnyIroc
03-11-2009, 12:56 PM
i meant 97- 04 model
but that's around what i would do to one
i don't think I'm going to get a truck for a while
but when i do it will be either a Dakota or Rampage
JDAWG
03-11-2009, 02:14 PM
Hahaha I didn't. I let someone else on the boards buy it, and get pissed off at the poor quality and restocking fees first :)

if you hang around minitruckers they would rip you head off if you even mention AIM lol. We all learned our lessons 10 years ago. I remember air was just coming out, you couldnt buy 'kits'. I got a 3/4 horse compressor and 4 valves. As soon as I hooked up the compressor the plastic impeller thing shredded against the grill cover, the valves blew the seals after a month. They charge outrageous restocking fees for THEIR broken garbage, body panels dont fit and have dents, etc. I could go on and on.
TurbododgePirate
03-12-2009, 02:14 PM
Here you go jim!!!

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/pts/1070690404.html
neongary
03-12-2009, 05:10 PM
i meant 97- 04 model
but that's around what i would do to one
i don't think I'm going to get a truck for a while
but when i do it will be either a Dakota or Rampage

Love mine! I think the new ones look hideous.
Vigo
03-12-2009, 07:26 PM
got me curious what you've run in that truck with the 4.7...?
JohnnyIroc
03-13-2009, 10:05 AM
Love mine! I think the new ones look hideous.

yeah thats my favorite one
the new ones are just terrible
and so is the new durango
neongary
03-13-2009, 07:38 PM
got me curious what you've run in that truck with the 4.7...?

15.1 @ 89 mph, totally stock. It's not easy though, that 5 speed stick isn't the most cooperative thing to row in a hurry. :D