04 Dakota Quad Cab SAS

I do plan on getting a set of new replacement springs but that is currently behind upgraded steering with either a longer pitman arm or moving the drag link closer to the pivot on the knuckle, and new tires and possibly wheels. After the new font leaves I am going to change the leaves in the rear to match the height of the front to ditch the blocks and hopefully get rid of the current lowering shackles, then I need a new front output yoke and a driveshaft and then everything should be done except for a parking brake. If I can manage to sell some of the stuff I have laying around it will come much quicker.

I did get around to reinforcing the steering box mount with sleeves and braces last week unfortunately this was after the frame started to crack next to the bracket but I did notice it the day it cracked and was able to fix it fairly quickly.
 
Well it has been a long time since I updated, nothing really important has changed. Around thanksgiving put on new tires, 37x12.50R16.5 goodyear mtII, I welded safety beads onto the wheels and grooved and siped the tires. In January or so installed the rancho 44044 as was recommended, the ride is much better, the leaves are no longer inverted, but it is now too tall in the front. I also put a 1310 yoke on the front tcase output, the yoke is from a XJ, it wasn't a direct fit and I had to bevel the edges and remove material in a few places so the yoke would fully seat.

I have metal to redo the front crossmember which is going to be moved up to replace the radiator support, I am going to move the front spring mount forward 1.5" flip the springs around which will move the axle forward a total of 3.5" I plan to either move the shackle bushing further into the frame arch or frenched into the frame. This should lower the truck about 4" in the front. I have a 1310 yoke for the front axle and will finally get a front driveshaft once the height is set, and the exhaust and tcase crossmember are clearanced. After that I will match the height in the rear and will also be getting rid of the cheap shackles and replacing it with regular 3/8 shackle plates and bushing.

Hopefully the next update is sooner because I am hoping to have functioning 4wd before summer starts.





 
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