2001 Dakota QC Diesel

[Motohead1]

so I am really surprised to find that I didnt add any weight it seems. The truck is lighter than with all the IFS metal and the added wheel/tire combo is heavier but it all turned out to be a wash. I pulled up to the scrap yard and it tipped the scales at 5150lbs and see the after pic below. before it weighed 4700lbs and it will again when the front driveshaft and axle shafts go back in.

 

[Motohead1]

So I got the arts and crafts done and I now have front inner fenders. It actually was not as hard to do as I was thinking.


I went up one hole on the shackles and ended up at 45" to center fender rear and the front is at 43" Might drop the rear some more will see.


Last thing to do for daily driver status again is swap in my rear gears. Front is empty will get to hat later.

 

[Motohead1]

Finally got my 4.56s and factory posi installed. Still lots to do but drove it home and its back to daily duty. Notice the newer 05 up housing has a fatter inner casting and I had to grind down about .20 to clear the ring. Pinion depth was identical.

 

[ZRex]

Fantastic work! I just saw this thread and I've got to say, even though I've never been a big fan of the Dakotas I really enjoy this one, almost makes me want one! Keep up the good work!

 

[Motohead1]

Well I just about have the alignment perfect. Needs bit more caster and I am gonna leave the rear sitting just like it is now. it drives great. And no front sway bar right now. Will address that later but its not a must have really. Need bump stops though before it hits the dirt. And front axle guts would be nice. but at least its a running driving project again.

 

[Motohead1]

Finally moved the exhaust to the rear. Ignore the unbent hanger. Need to grab my gas torch bend it over and weld it soon.





Also got 5k miles on the tires. Ko2s aint cheap so it will be 5 tire rotates for me.

 

[CR-Venturer]

Absolutely sick build. I just bought a 2006 Dakota, so I'm looking around to see who else is running them. Cheers!

 

[Motohead1]

Took a few days off and got the family in the woods. We took a borrowed kayak and I can see 2 of those in our near future. Truck ran great. Its really the first time ive had it off road with the suspension dialed in on the front. It rides great and I dont have to slow down for anything. Did about 25 miles off road.

 

[Soapy]

I love the first generation Dakotas. I have several and also Durangos. Most of mine have the 360 V8s. You have done great work on yours.

 

[Eurow]

Jeez, this is an awesome rig!
I live over in Boiling Springs, SC and need to come hang out with someone that can teach me to fabricate!

 

[Motohead1]

Timing belt and water pump done finally at 327000. Should be good for another 100k. She is getting tired though. Only averaging 26mpg tanks these days. I have a newer short block to swap in before next timing belt though.

 

[Motohead1]

Well after close to 2 years of only 2wd I finally saved up and loaded the front D44. RCVs, OX locker, premium hubs, matching 4.56s. Gear pattern hit on the second stab. I havent hooked up the cable yet on the OX but it works with the drive away bolt. I had to use a tom woods offset ujoint on the tcase side cause at full droop its almost 34 degrees total. At ride height its only 5 degrees.

 

[Motohead1]

Got out in the woods during the week. Had the place to ourselves for 2 days.






Leaving out on day 3 had a power steering line let bust. Cut an inch off and remade it an all was well. I changed it to a proper ptfe line when I got home. Thankfully a passerby had some spare ATF as I lost about a quart.



Didnt really need 4wd as it was dry but we got a few miles in to break in the gears. Heres a short vid.