Budget Dakota IFS install?

in2hotrods · Post by **in2hotrods** » February 9, 2009, 1:00 pm

I started a build thread and mentioned using a 2003 crown vic IFS since I already have it. I like the bolt-in approach this setup provides. I am not positive that I will use the crown setup but am already getting suggestions to drop the crown and do the Dakota install.

I hear good things about the dakota suspension but it is easy to spend money when it's not yours...I only have a couple hundred in my crown setup. Is there a budget approach to the Dakota install?

36truck · Post by **36truck** » February 9, 2009, 1:35 pm

Garbz knows the Dakota best.

Garbz · Post by **Garbz** » February 9, 2009, 4:50 pm

Nope.

You need a Dakota based cross member from Industrial Chassis to do the conversion. no other way around it. And that's 700 bucks and change.

And you will need a donor truck 86 to 96 or the parts scrounged from a yard.

You can feasibly do the entire suspension for around a 1000 bucks if you do all the install and welding yourself.

I have substantially less as i built the Dakota Cross member on my truck at IC and have only material cost. My full front suspension components i picked up for 200 bucks..So with the materials i have less than 400 in the full front end and about 100 bucks in the steering shaft and column.

The crown Vic would be the Schnizz is it were not so damn wide and require huge negative offset wheels for a truck.

Garbz

Alan Mclennan · Post by **Alan Mclennan** » February 9, 2009, 5:19 pm

What no pic`s!

in2hotrods · Post by **in2hotrods** » February 9, 2009, 6:43 pm

Okay, sounds like that is pretty much it then. Didn't know if there was some secret grassroots approach to it.

I was looking up info to compare Dakota to Crown Vic and found the following:

They are both heavy vehicles at 4,000 pounds plus, each.

Track widths were 61" Dakota and 63" Crown Vic.

As far as the offset wheels goes I've got some late model mustang rims that should do the trick.

I understand that I am considering a car suspension versus truck but for the most part it is a people hauler and not much else. I may tow a small vintage fiberglass boat (when I get one) and the occasional trip to home depot is guaranteed, but other than that I am just after a light-duty pickup that can haul the family or friends.

in2hotrods · Post by **in2hotrods** » February 9, 2009, 6:46 pm

Alan Mclennan wrote: What no pic`s!

If you're referring to my crew buildup then check here:

http://fordtruk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9145

I don't have a photo gallery yet...sorry.

in2hotrods · Post by **in2hotrods** » February 9, 2009, 7:00 pm

Further research revealed this link which reinforces that it is not a "low buck" build scenario. Positive things are definitely mentioned about the Dakota install but some important issues are also brought to light.

Check it out here:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/ ... Seven.html

Very good info for anyone considering a dakota install.

jecsd1 · Post by **jecsd1** » February 9, 2009, 9:10 pm

I did my whole Dakota front end for about $850. You just have to find a junkyard that speaks cash. The crossmember was about $700 (as garbz said) all the donor parts for $95 and new rotors and bearings for $60. Of course I did the welding myself and I'm not a big fan of neg offset wheels but I have heard the CV setup can be made real nice too

36truck · Post by **36truck** » February 9, 2009, 9:41 pm

What would it take to put a Ranger front susp. on?

in2hotrods · Post by **in2hotrods** » February 9, 2009, 10:41 pm

36truck wrote:What would it take to put a Ranger front susp. on?

Don't know but seems like a topic for a new thread.

I'm always interested in other options.

Garbz · Post by **Garbz** » February 10, 2009, 10:14 am

to do a Ranger it would take a redesign of the suspension points. and build a new cross member.

All depends on the geometry involved and the frame width.

Garbz

61 Merc · Post by **61 Merc** » February 10, 2009, 1:08 pm

36truck wrote:What would it take to put a Ranger front susp. on?

Tom already has a doner truck for this as he wore out the ranger hauling vehicles around the country, next thing he will start coming into Canada to rescue some tin.

Dean

36truck · Post by **36truck** » February 10, 2009, 3:56 pm

You funny Dean. My Ranger will be around for a long time bringing back treasures for me. You better watch out for that BBE SBW Merc Uni or I'll beat you to it.

in2hotrods · Post by **in2hotrods** » February 10, 2009, 7:06 pm

This thread = HiJacked

MadMaxetc · Post by **MadMaxetc** » February 10, 2009, 9:02 pm

in2hotrods wrote:Okay, sounds like that is pretty much it then. Didn't know if there was some secret grassroots approach to it.

I was looking up info to compare Dakota to Crown Vic and found the following:

They are both heavy vehicles at 4,000 pounds plus, each.

Track widths were 61" Dakota and 63" Crown Vic.

As far as the offset wheels goes I've got some late model mustang rims that should do the trick.

I understand that I am considering a car suspension versus truck but for the most part it is a people hauler and not much else. I may tow a small vintage fiberglass boat (when I get one) and the occasional trip to home depot is guaranteed, but other than that I am just after a light-duty pickup that can haul the family or friends.

I would stick with the CV if you have it and can't afford the Dakota.

The CV should work fine for your use.

in2hotrods · Post by **in2hotrods** » February 10, 2009, 9:57 pm

Dan,

Thanks for the encouragement. I see you're doing the dakota. Checked out your pics...love the motivation poster! That's one of my favorite movies!

MadMaxetc · Post by **MadMaxetc** » February 10, 2009, 10:22 pm

in2hotrods wrote:Dan,

Thanks for the encouragement. I see you're doing the dakota. Checked out your pics...love the motivation poster! That's one of my favorite movies!

Thanks, I love that movie too...because I work there. We have the EXACT same cubes.

As for the Cost of the Dakota swap...

When all is done...I will have $1,600 in parts.\

I have a detailed list. I will try to figure out how to post it.

ELpolacko · Post by **ELpolacko** » February 14, 2009, 1:55 pm

If it helps we have been running a sale on our crossmember kits. Current recession sale pricing is $589.00 plus shipping, "Get yours today!"

MadMaxetc · Post by **MadMaxetc** » February 14, 2009, 2:34 pm

ELpolacko wrote:If it helps we have been running a sale on our crossmember kits. Current recession sale pricing is $589.00 plus shipping, "Get yours today!"

Oh sure...now there on sale!

Hey Steve (or any others),
What shocks would you suggest for the Dakota?

I am getting ready to blow some money and not sure what ones to get.

Are the KYBs any good?

DCarr · Post by **DCarr** » February 14, 2009, 3:46 pm

Steve, on the Gen.3 front, how big an oil pan can I run? I need to use a full length drag race style pan with a full kickout. I have a BBC engine like yours(without turbos). Thanks, David.