Dakota Front End

layedout72 · Post by **layedout72** » Sat Jul 07, 2007 7:15 am

you dont need aftermarket parts to make it work either. they are just fun to have.

SMF Speed&Custom · Post by **SMF Speed&Custom** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 3:42 pm

Ok I figured I'd start this up again. I still haven't made up my mind on the MII or Dakota front end. I know some say the MII is too small and junk but they seem to do fine IMO and everyone who has had one never seemed to have a problem with it. Anyways here's the new deal. I may soon have around 2200 bucks to spend on my truck TOPS and this is what I am wanting to know. Is it possible to put a new IFS front end under the truck with air bags up front and out back with the compressor, lines, gauges, etc for 2200 bucks? I don't need the chromed or polished tubular A arms and all the big brake upgrades, etc just the plain MII or Dakota front end and then the air bag set up. What I am trying to do here is get a complete list of exactly what I need, where to get it and how much it will cost.
Thanks a lot for any information on this and anymore pictures of your rides bagged.

layedout72 · Post by **layedout72** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 4:10 pm

as far as where to get stuff for the air suspension.....gravity-werx.com Matt Mock is a GREAT guy and beats just about any price you can find, without you saying anything. I got a complete setup minus fittings christmas a few years back for right at 700 bucks. firestone bags, viair 450 (i think), gauges, 50 feet of 1/2 line, 1/4 line for gauges, switches, and everything.

SMF Speed&Custom · Post by **SMF Speed&Custom** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 4:38 pm

So with air, how much am I looking at spending? I do not want to lay frame on the ground or nothing but want it pretty low. I understand I will need a 4 link in the rear and bags back there then the compressor, fittings, lines, gauges, switches and then the front I will need the MII kit with bags, tubular arms, brakes, rack and pinion, etc. I have a 3" DJM drop beam kit right now and I was going to put that on with 2 inch dropped springs to get a total of about 4 inches in reality when it's all said and done but it will probably ride like crap. I have been thinking about selling it and save for the MII kit. For those of you here that have done this, how much did it cost you?

layedout72 · Post by **layedout72** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 4:43 pm

well, you set your ride height when you set up the bags, so you will still ned everything listed. just set it up different. you (read carefully) COULD probably do a bag on beam setup, seen it done and seen it lay out actually. Google "Jamey Jordan" he has a dent side with cut up drop beams and bagged. lays out nicely. Not much camber either really.....he also drove it from MS, to CA. Reliability is there...

You could maybe get in touch with him about building you a set. He works ( i believe) for D.I.B. Customs in Houma Louisiana. I can try and get you his number this week if you want to call the shop and ask about it.

layedout72 · Post by **layedout72** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 4:46 pm

i dont want to quote a price, as i have not priced it really. but hub to hub on a MII kit for bags is like 2400, with bags. but compressor and crap is going to be another 5-600 depending...thats 3000. plus link bars, thats, ~3300.....rear bags, ~150 for the pair. thats ~3450.....its a load of cash.

SMF Speed&Custom · Post by **SMF Speed&Custom** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 4:46 pm

Man I'd really appreciate that! Maybe that can be an option. Really the only reason for the bags are to get it low enough to have the 17 inch wheels and tires tuck under the front fender just about an inch also the air bags should ride much nicer than a spring and shock. I can also adjust the rear end for weight or such in case I haul something. I will try to do a google search for that name though.
Thanks!

layedout72 · Post by **layedout72** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 4:56 pm

I don't know if you have a myspace (more than likely not) but search his name on there as well. and then go to his "friends list" and DIB will be on there.

SMF Speed&Custom · Post by **SMF Speed&Custom** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 4:58 pm

Ok, I actually JUST found it. I do not have a Myspace account so I wont be able to reach him I doubt... Maybe I can find it on the company website if they have one.

layedout72 · Post by **layedout72** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 5:03 pm

DIB does have a website, i will search it if you cant find it. I wouldn't call Jamey himself, but call the shop and ask them if they mind getting him to contact you. I believe he works there now, so it shouldn't be a big deal. Really any of those guys will probably be able to help you....

SMF Speed&Custom · Post by **SMF Speed&Custom** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 5:03 pm

Ok I think I found his Email address on one of his company websites. I will email him and see what he says. I have seen a airbag kit from AIM industries but I hear that their customer service is bad so not sure what to do.

layedout72 · Post by **layedout72** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 5:11 pm

there customer service is up there with the quality of their parts..........take that how you want.

He also owns "Fred Bear Designs", so if that's the company name you found, that's him. He hasn't done beams in a few years now, but at the right price, he may be willing.

SMF Speed&Custom · Post by **SMF Speed&Custom** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 5:13 pm

The article in the truck mag says that he used DJM beams with some kind of relocators for the bags. I think it was spring hat relocators or something. I will Email him now and see what answers I get.
Thanks again!

layedout72 · Post by **layedout72** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 5:26 pm

I know I talked to him on AOL before and he made a jig to hold them once cut, and he made them into 6 inch beams, rather than 3. They were indeed DJM though.

marz68 · Post by **marz68** » Mon Jul 23, 2007 5:53 pm

layedout72 wrote:I know I talked to him on AOL before and he made a jig to hold them once cut, and he made them into 6 inch beams, rather than 3. They were indeed DJM though.

I want to see what this guy did with some i beams, were do I look?

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