First off, I'd like to say hello to everyone. This is my 3rd Durango, so new to the forum but kinda familiar with these trucks. 1st was a 2006, 2nd was a 2003 R/T, also owned 2 98 Dakotas & now proud owner of an $800 1998 Durango with 3.92s, LS, 5.2. This one is gonna be my first one built for off road purposes though. I've had modified 4wds in my time from a Samurai on 33s, to a solid axle Toyota, my current Bronco with 5" of lift, & a few more that I am forgetting, I've tinkered on most brands. Just wanted to try something different that can seat an army this time, lol.
I've been reading on here about lifting & have come to the conclusion that I can't go bigger than 33" tires without catastrophic failure on the front diff. I am running 32x11.50 with no lift at all & only rub at full lock. I'd like to get some more ground clearance though so I plan on cranking the TBs 7-8 turns. While most of my offroading in this will be hill climbs & mud, I will be using this D as my camping rig & even for hauling my mowers on occasion. There is an aftermarket hitch bolted (rusted) on so I'm kinda skipping the shackle option & this brings me to some questions.
I see that some guys are finding cheap short AALs but everywhere I have looked, the Durango specific ones are long & cost around $90. Would long be better than short? Kinda hard to justify 2x the price if one is no better than the other.
Can the universal shorts work without mods? Which part number works if so?
I do have the S shaped rear leaves, will that mess with me putting the long ones in?
How much real lift should I expect? I've read 1" & I've read 2.5". Would be nice to see which AALs give the most lift. Ground clearance is key!
Anyone ever try swapping Dakota leaves onto a Durango? I'd assume the 400 lb extra capacity would give some lift. This chart makes it seem possible: http://littlekeylime.com/MrN/mrnimages/leaf_springs.png
Has anyone made a bastard pack for more lift?
These are just a few ideas that have popped into my head & I can't seem to find answers for. I'm sure I'll have other questions come up but for now I'd like to get the suspension set up before I go camping on the 3rd.
I've been reading on here about lifting & have come to the conclusion that I can't go bigger than 33" tires without catastrophic failure on the front diff. I am running 32x11.50 with no lift at all & only rub at full lock. I'd like to get some more ground clearance though so I plan on cranking the TBs 7-8 turns. While most of my offroading in this will be hill climbs & mud, I will be using this D as my camping rig & even for hauling my mowers on occasion. There is an aftermarket hitch bolted (rusted) on so I'm kinda skipping the shackle option & this brings me to some questions.
I see that some guys are finding cheap short AALs but everywhere I have looked, the Durango specific ones are long & cost around $90. Would long be better than short? Kinda hard to justify 2x the price if one is no better than the other.
Can the universal shorts work without mods? Which part number works if so?
I do have the S shaped rear leaves, will that mess with me putting the long ones in?
How much real lift should I expect? I've read 1" & I've read 2.5". Would be nice to see which AALs give the most lift. Ground clearance is key!
Anyone ever try swapping Dakota leaves onto a Durango? I'd assume the 400 lb extra capacity would give some lift. This chart makes it seem possible: http://littlekeylime.com/MrN/mrnimages/leaf_springs.png
Has anyone made a bastard pack for more lift?
These are just a few ideas that have popped into my head & I can't seem to find answers for. I'm sure I'll have other questions come up but for now I'd like to get the suspension set up before I go camping on the 3rd.
