I think you've answered your own question, Thomas! We always prefer bolt-on bumpers if possible. Having a removable bumper allows you to work on your truck more easily, or replace the bumper if it gets mangled somehow. Race trucks are just about the only thing we can think of where it makes sense to weld a bumper on instead of bolting it on.
Dakota Lifting
Hi, my name is SPC Keegan Feichtenbiner. I am currently deployed to Iraq with the 1013th Sapper company doing route clearance. I have a 2000 Dodge Dakota crew cab 4x4 at home with an Airaid cold-air intake, a Poweraid throttle body spacer, and dual exhaust. I also put a Westin safari bar and KX 6-inch lights up front and a tonneau cover for the bed. I use the truck to haul a dirt bike and snowmobile around, and as an everyday driver. I want to find a lift big enough to put 33-inch tires under it. I have looked everywhere and the only one I found so far was a Rancho 2.5-inch lift for $1,500. I don't want to pay that much for only 2.5 inches of lift. I was wondering if you guys could help me out with this problem. Price really is not a big deal.
Thank you
SPC Keegan Feichtenbiner,
Appleton, Wisconsin
Keegan, we actually have this Rancho suspension on a daily-driven Durango that is in our fleet, running 33-inch tires. The Rancho kit is an actual suspension lift (not a leveling kit) and adds subframes and new knuckles. We've found that 33s fit with 3 inches of lift, but the kit can be easily and safely cranked up to 4 inches taller than stock in front, and I think it's exactly what you want. Truckin Suspension (www.airbagit.com) also has a taller suspension lift for the '00-to-'04 Dakota/Durango platform.
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