dakota front end

[gre8one7]

So i have heard people talking about this, and i found a 89 dakota going for next to nothing. What kind of modifications would i have to make if i did this. And is the powersteering and power brakes adaptable to are trucks?

[MadMaxetc]

The guys that have done this use the Weld in Crossmember from Industrial Chasis Inc. It will require new engine mounts as well.

It is not a "bolt in/on" instal. Do a search and read up on it. It is a good swap, but is a lot of work.

[Obsa]

If you are just getting information on a front end swap you really ought to look at using a late model Crown Vic front crossmember. Someone has a link to a long write up over on the HAMB

[gre8one7]

is the crown vic setup as stong as the dakota one is?

[JFCDeuce]

The CV is pretty tough, however as with any major modification it depends on your intended usage.
If you intend to slam the truck, or put it on Bags, the CV is not a good choice as the overall width dictates very specific wheel offsets (High positive offset) which many traditional wheels will not fit, so you're limited to hubcaps, or modern stlye wheels.

Also it should be noted that the CV is cheap, and it's a pretty simple install, but it does require cutting grinding welding etc, like any front end swap. after doing it a front stub swap is probably as easy if you are confident in your welding ability. It also still reqires steering modifications etc. THere is no "Kit" so you'll be doing a lot of measuring and brainstorming as to how to make it all go togheter.

With a parts Dakota, whou should be able to use the majority of parts, but removing/reusing the x-member could be tricky. and also you'll still be buying all new busings /ball joints etc. I would imagine.

[gre8one7]

man you guys dont make this easy lol, i was thinking about bagging it, or atleast lower it. Which obviously is pretty expensive to do with stock equipment.

[thenephilm]

I would recommend the camaro front clip for bagging it to the camaro suspension geometry working out really well when being that low..

[Greg D]

Somebody here did a Dakota swap just using the parts truck - sorry don't remember who.
There are some cool wheel options for the 03 & up Crn Vic Aluminum crossmember swap - any thing that works on a late model Mustang. You can get full tire & wheel NEW pull off sets for Mustang wheels on Ebay for around $600.

[JFCDeuce]

man you guys dont make this easy lol, i was thinking about bagging it, or atleast lower it. Which obviously is pretty expensive to do with stock equipment.

In order to make a truck low and still handle well and safe, it does cost money, and time. But it doesn't have to cost a fortune, and there are a lot of options out there.
I don't know if there are drop spindles available for the Dakota set up?
Some other thoughts:
Going with drop I beams, and a disk upgrade is still cheaper than a full IFS.
The big limit on the CV is wheels (depends on the look you want.)
MII type can be expensive, but there's a lot of knowege and parts available.

[61 Merc]

Check out this posting about Mikes truck and the Dakota install, I wouldn't go with his direction, I would have gotten some good help. Here is Mikes iinstall. http://fordtruk.com/forums/viewtopic.ph ... ght=dakota But talk to Mike about the height, I know it did drop it some from what he had.
Another build is Garbz install, he was slamming his with the dakota kit and also Z notching the frame.
http://fordtruk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8961
http://fordtruk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9479
He also has some pics of his work.

Dean