98 Dakota body lift kit - anti-sway bar
Asked by Jim Apr 29, 2015 at 06:36 AM about the 1998 Dodge Dakota Sport RWD
Question type: Car Customization
Hello,
I have a 98 Dakota Sport, 2 dr, standard cab and want to put 31" A/T tires and was told that I need to install a 3 inch body lift kit (or super coils springs, or something similar).
My question is if after installing the 3 inch body lift kit, will I need to buy and install an anti-sway bar, or stabilizer bar?
6 Answers
I am not certain about the lift kit. The things that I have read about using a lift kit on the 2002 Dakota tend to mess up the front end geometry completely. If you pursue this lift kit, I would make certain that you know someone who can follow along and make certain that your front end geometry is correctly adjusted as you work.
After installing the lift kit, I was told that with only 3 inch lift, the geometry isn't changed enough to make any difference. It seems to drive fine, but I still wonder about an anti-sway bar. It seems to have a little overdrive feeling.
My personal opinion is that I would still have the front end checked for alignment (toe-in, toe-out, camber & caster, etc.). I have my tires rotated (all 5) and alignment checked twice a year because I do take my Dakota off the road at times. As far as anti-sway (stabilizer) bars are concerned, I would discuss it with your mechanic or an off-roading specialist and see what they recommend. Depending how you plan to use the truck, stabilizers, beyond what is already there may or may not be necessary.
Thanks again. Yes, I had a full alignment done when I had the lift kit installed, and with purchase of the 31" tires. They said I did not need the anti-sway bar for only 3 inch lift, but that was why I was asking on this blog to get a second opinion.
You have done everything correctly including talking with the mechanics. The additional anti-sway bars are a nice to have, but not completely necessary.
