Dakota SAS exo-cage w/custom bed

[sqrl$$]

My plans are to build my Dakota using tons with hopefully coil-overs in the front and probably keeping the factory spring configuration in the back. I am planning on removing the stock bed and building a custom bed with diamond tread to keep tools and spare but be trail worthy. I am going to exo the cab and tie into the bed. Truck is a v-8 5 speed and I will be running 5.13's locked front and rear. I want this to be very drivable when it is finished, but something I am not afraid to wheel with.
Here's what it looks like yesterday (12/11/09) when I bought it:

Here is what I want the height and stance to be:

This is what I have in mind for the bed and exo:

This build will be slow because I am going to gather most of the parts before I begin. I will be doing all the work myself, including gears, lockers, tube work, suspension and making bed.
I am open to any suggestions and still looking for some more ideas for inspiration on the bed and exo. It is hard to find stuff on these Dakota's, unlike all the jeeps I have built in the past.

 

[dmoore714]

Im looking forward to watching this one come together. I had a '99 Dakota 4x4. Loved that truck! I wish I had kept it and done something like this with it.

 

[sqrl$$]

Long long overdue update. I had changed my mind about cutting up my Dakota and decided to do an s-10 with Rocks, then changed my mind back to the Dakota. I sold the s-10 and rocks and bought a 14 bolt and a HP D60 both with 4.10's. I am going back with my original plan. I have been swamped with work for the last 5 months (luckily). I have a F-150 that I am doing a clutch and body lift, and a Cherokee doing long arms for, then hopefully I can get working on my own stuff. I will update again whenever I finally do get to start on it.

 

[sqrl$$]

Finally got done with everybody else's projects (aka paying jobs). I am having to change out and put a new tranny because of a broken cog causing me to loose 5th and reverse, so I just decided to go ahead and do everything. I gutted all the stock front suspension and rack and pinion steering this morning.

Fed-ex man showed up to bring me some goodies!

Serious beef. Very pleased with the parts (thanks barnes 4wd), and super fast delivery. I think I ordered them on Thursday and got them on Sat.

 

[sqrl$$]

Anybody need any Dakota frontend parts?

 

[Barnes 4wd]

Looks like a Cool Project. Any Updates?

 

[Reid]

cool. glad to see someone making some progress, lol.

 

[sqrl$$]

Got the 2" .25 wall DOM, and the 1.5" .25 wall DOM for the drag link today. Still have to cut the rest of the brackets off and clean up the frame, then hopefully I can get started on making the links. I had to put a new tranny and clutch in it this week so that ate up some of my fab time.

 

[sqrl$$]

Got the frame cleaned up today and plates welded on:

 

[sqrl$$]

Started mocking up the control arms:

Just a teaser of how it will sit. This is with a 39" Bogger that I had laying around for a spare. I hope to get a set of 39-40" Iroks or Pitbulls but this just gives me a little motivation to get rolling.

 

[blakesbuggy]

looking good

 

[gray]

You have the dirty job done, now it will be fun putting together the new parts!!

 

[sqrl$$]

Got started stripping down the D60 today. Cleaned off the old brackets and smoothed the bottom side of the D60 for sliding over stuff better.

Also got my heims, tube ends and 1.5" DOM today to build my tie-rod. I pulled off the dually hubs and need to find some SRW hubs so if anybody has any or is willing to trade, let me know. The guy I bought the axle from was supposed to get me the SRW stuff (agreed in original purchase), but surprise surprise, he has not returned my pm's or calls and hasn't shipped it in the last two months. If anyone knows Ben (campbbg on here), please tell him to call me.

 

[sqrl$$]

Got the links mocked up and mounts tacked in place. All 3 links will be the same length for easy replacement if ever needed. Links are 2" x .25 wall and measure about 34" long. I recessed the mounts up inside the factory crossmember brackets to help eliminate anything to get hung up on. This is sitting mocked up at ride hieght. If I don't sell these boggers, I guess I will change to a single piston caliper and run them.

 

[sqrl$$]

Also made my tie-rod, 1.5" x .25 DOM. I mounted it on the top so hopefully I want get it hung up or bent.

 

[hirockrawler]

It's all starting to come together now. Too bad you won't finish before Harlan though. Just means we'll have to make a special maiden voyage somewhere.

 

[The#1Dakota]

Wow! Lookin good. What year is ur HP 60? I'm still in pursuit of axles lol. Hey would it still ok for me to swing by sometime/assist/learn on the project? I'm dying to do this to my Dakota...

 

[sqrl$$]

D60 is out of an '88 F350. Next time I am planning a weekend work on it I will let you know. You are welcome to come by and check it out.

 

[The#1Dakota]

Oh thanks! Looking forward to it. Would the HP 60 1985-1991.5 have enough room for leafs?

 

[sqrl$$]

I have been out of commision for a little bit with an injured hand, but here is some of the progress.

 

[Metto]

how is your tire to link clearance when turned? thats the big issue with running the lowers that far apart on the axle. mine rub a little at full lock, i should have inboarded the frame side more

 

[sqrl$$]

I don't really know yet b/c I don't have any srw hubs to put on to try, but of it is a problem I can put them in the bender and put a slight bend in them. I hope it will clear as is but we will just have to see.

 

[Metto]

I don't really know yet b/c I don't have any srw hubs to put on to try, but of it is a problem I can put them in the bender and put a slight bend in them. I hope it will clear as is but we will just have to see.

you will probably have to switch to a bushing on the frame end if you bend them, other wise they will flip flop around

 

[sqrl$$]

Got my rear disc brake with e-brake setup the other day (thanks Gubni).

 

[sqrl$$]

Also mounted the shackle flip in the rear and got axle in place and sitting on its own weight in the rear.