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Raised / Lifted Dakotas
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Dean Caldwell
Dodge Dakota
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2/04/2003
15:42:03

Subject: New 2" lift Shackles
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Well, Since I had my torsion bars cranked up 1" I've been hunting for the best way to raise the back of my 01 CC 4x4. I thought about add-a-leafs or lift blocks but my personal preference steered me towards a 2" lift shackle kit from "Ground Force".

I don't have them installed just yet but I've posted some pics of them out of the box just in case you're curious. Personally, I think it's the best way to go if you're looking for extra height in back, because rather than installing extra parts, ie. lift blocks or add-a-leafs, a shackle kit involves removing the existing shackles that all of your Dakota's already have, and installing longer ones....That's it!! Done!!

The kit even comes with new poly bushings for your leaf springs. But anyway, that's my two cents!! I'll add more pics once I get them installed so you can see the difference. Now I see a PA 3" body lift on the horizon with some 305/70/16 BF MT's. Keep up the good work guys!!!

Don't forget.. He who has the biggest tires has the right of way!!

photos.yahoo.com/deansdak

Dean Caldwell
2001 CC 4x4 Sport,3.9L,Autolite 3923's, Borg/Warner Cap & Rotor, Robert Shaw thermostat, Home brew grille and intake, 1" torsion bar lift, soon to be 2" shackle lift.




4wDakota
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2/04/2003
16:06:12

RE: New 2
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Are you sure it's 2" lift?
The only stuff ground force sells is lowering components as far as I know. I checked out their webpage and don't see anything about it.



98 CC 4x4, 5.2 Auto 3.55LSD
3" Body Lift, 1" Torsion Bar Lift, 33" BFG A/T KO's

conig
Dodge Dakota
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2/04/2003
16:20:30

RE: New 2
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are they chevy drop shackles? quad2nv had a set of chevy drop shackles flipped upside down to lift the back of his truck a bit.



Dean Caldwell
Dodge Dakota
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2/05/2003
06:57:58

RE: New 2
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You hit the nail right on the head Conig! They are actually for a Chevy application. What happened was, I had emailed Ground Force for some info on their 2" block kit. They sent me an email saying that the best way to raise my Dakota would be with a Lowering Shackle (of all things). The part number they gave me was 91143.

When I searched their website, I noticed that this part number was for C-1500, C-2500 Pickups. They said don't worry it will fit and it's actually a better way to go because it looks more stock and won't effect the ride as much.

Now whether or not these shackles lower or raise a truck depends on the application. On a 2wd the spring pack bolts to the top of the shackle. So a longer shackle will lower the truck. On a 4x4, the leaf pack bolts to the bottom of the shackle (shackle is flipped) so now you're lifting the truck.

It's all just personal preference really. I'm not sure if wheel hop occurs with the 2" block kits. Some guys prefer blocks, some guys prefer add-a-leafs. I think the shackles are a good way to go as well. Don't let the part number fool you though. They WILL fit on the Dakota's which tells me that maybe the GM and Dodge shackles are universal. Don't quote me on that !!!!

I guess I should have mentioned the whole "Chevy thing" on my first post. Sorry about that guys!

I'll try to get them installed today so I can take some pics. I'd like to do it myself but jacking up my truck in a snowy driveway isn't my idea of fun! Thanks again guys!

Dean Caldwell
2001 CC 4x4 Sport,3.9L,Autolite 3923's, Borg/Warner Cap & Rotor, Robert Shaw thermostat, Home brew grille and intake, 1" torsion bar lift, soon to be 2" shackle lift.









conig
Dodge Dakota
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2/05/2003
10:57:26

RE: New 2
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take some pics when your done. I'm curious about adding these as well. but as of present my truck is perfectly level.



Dean
Dodge Dakota
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2/11/2003
14:27:21

RE: New 2
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It looks as though 4wDakota was right!! Just before I was to have those 2" LIFT shackles installed I took one final look under my truck so that I could explain to the mechanic what I wanted done. If I had gone through with the install, the rear of my truck would have been 2" LOWER. Needless to say..I was pretty pissed!! They are in fact LOWERING Shackles.

So I called the customer service number for the online store that I bought them from, told them my story and they are giving me a full refund. If it wasn't for 4wDakota, I probably would have just gone and had them installed. That was a close one!! Thanks !!

So now I had to decide on either blocks or add-a-leafs. I didn't want to take any more chances so I took my Dakota to a Professional spring shop and had a set of add-a-leafs installed. They did an awesome job!! I think the back is about 1.5" higher now.

Who knows..Maybe the shackles would have worked if I had rotated them upside down. But then the weight of the truck would have been resting on them, and I don't think they're designed for that.

Thanks for the advice guys!! I've definately learned alot.
Dean
2001 CC 4x4 Sport,3.9L,Autolite 3923's, Borg/Warner Cap & Rotor, Robert Shaw thermostat, 1" torsion bar lift, 1.5" add-a-leafs.



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