Budget Dakota IFS install?

ELpolacko · Post by **ELpolacko** » February 15, 2009, 12:59 pm

Shocks, KYB are pretty good and I used to run them until I found the Bilstein shocks.

www.rcdclassics.com

I am a dealer for these guys and for such an aggressive shock they deliver one of the smoothest rides ever.

the Gen III fronts are pretty much just like the regular kits when it comes to oil pan clearance. Not going to get a full length drag pan in there. The kickout shouldn't be an issue though. But there are some really good Milodon, Moroso, Hamburger, Steff's pans that fit regular GM type chassis that control oil well. Fortunately with a BBC they don't have the oil control issues like the LIMA series engines do, LOL.

MadMaxetc · Post by **MadMaxetc** » February 15, 2009, 7:31 pm

ELpolacko wrote:Shocks, KYB are pretty good and I used to run them until I found the Bilstein shocks.

www.rcdclassics.com

I am a dealer for these guys and for such an aggressive shock they deliver one of the smoothest rides ever.
...

Cool, thanks.

(good to see you back

)

Shawn F. · Post by **Shawn F.** » February 16, 2009, 1:03 pm

Not to take over the thread but will my stock 351W oil pan work with the Dakota front crossmember? I FINALLY got my 66 F100 going again yesterday and got power steering and doing the power brakes today. It took me forever to gather these parts and get it all to work but now I am thinking about ditching the dropped I Beams and go with the Dakota myself but not sure. Only reason is because the drop beams dont have enough drop for me and I hear the beams have steering problems from some people...???
I already have all the parts to install the drop beams but thinking about selling them and using that money from the power brakes, disks up front, power steering, column, drop beams, etc and get a Dakota front end. But it seems like a lot more work for motor mounts, welding it up, changing out the brakes, new brake lines and hoses, steering column, lines for P/S, new power brake booster, etc etc. Seems like it's a huge list...
As for the crown vic, I was seriously considering this but changed my mind since I haven't heard anough feedback on it by people who have actually driven them a few thousand miles.

Garbz · Post by **Garbz** » February 16, 2009, 2:47 pm

The 351 fit with the correct rear sump pan... A 4x4 mid seventies or a custom Milidon or Steffs. Fox pans have that front drop with a drain that is not desirable.

When you order the Dakota cross member just tell Steve what engine and he will price up and include the correct cut to fit mounts.

You can use the existing 65 66 column and rag joint. All you need to do is add an intermediate shaft and the flange off of the steering box.

Garbz

Shawn F. · Post by **Shawn F.** » February 16, 2009, 6:00 pm

What is an intermediate shaft and flange on the steering column? Sorry if this is a dumn question, I just dont know.
If I can keep the 66 column then that is great!
Also what about the brake booster and m/c? Which style would I need? I have a mid 70's booster and m/c on it now (the smaller one) but not sure what I would have to change it to. All in all, if I can do a Dodge dakota front end for about $850 and do the welding and work myself then I will do it. I would like to keep 5X5.5 bolt pattern as well so the fullsize truck stuff would be nice.
I am going to just sell my brand new not yet installed DJM I Beams and dropped tie rod kit and use this money towards the Dakota! If anyone is interested in this, let me know and maybe we can work something out!

Gritsngumbo · Post by **Gritsngumbo** » February 16, 2009, 6:36 pm

I have a question for Dave if I can "hijack" the thread for a minute? The price cut and the ability to use the 5X5.5 bolt pattern has me intrigued about the Dakota install. What about installing it in a 63 Uni with a 292? Would I need to use a 65-66 column as you are doing or an aftermarket column?