i just bought a 88 dodge dakota sport i plan on turning it into a truggy here's the list of things to do?
Remove bed and front clip (half done)
sas up front and bigger rear axles
318 swap
4 link suspension front and rear
full roll cage or exo not sure yet

Here's where i need help im not real familiar with some of the stuff like 4 link suspension with coil over for better flex any tips or suggestions welcomed

Here's where i need help im not real familiar with some of the stuff like 4 link suspension with coil over for better flex any tips or suggestions welcomed

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/search.php

There are plenty of buildups on here with lots of useful knowledge and pictures along with it that show everything you will every need to know about building what you want.

EDIT: Oh and props for posting in the right place.

thanks im 18 this is my first four wheel drive so im building it to have fun or destroy it trying any other advice will be welcomed

My number one advice is to take your time. Being 18 you have a long road ahead of you. Do lots of research. Do it right.

thanks do u think a leaf spring suspension front and rear would be suffienct for now or should i go ahead and build the 4 link

Leaf springs will be fine. If you are looking for something that will flex nice I would look into these: http://www.alcanspring.com/orbit-eye.htm
It replaces the bushing, and allows you to get up to 46* of articulation.
The same company also makes leaf springs for any vehicle, any lift size, and however soft/hard you want it.
Shoot them an email and they will tell you everything you need to know.

thanks again
im planning on scrapping the front clip and building a cage around the engin so i can fit bigger tires and that way i have less stuff to dentup

That's very ambitious for a first rig. I hope you plan on doing a lot or reading, don't be an ass to the people trying to help, don't half ass it, and for god's sake don't lose interest! :D

im trying not to be an ass but some people just get on my nerves im taking there suggestions into account but they suggest them everytime they post it gets annoying and i decided to leave the hood the core support and tube where the fenders are and getting rid of the bed and roll bar out of it so if anyone needs a small truck roll bar let me know

im trying not to be an ass but some people just get on my nerves im taking there suggestions into account but they suggest them everytime they post it gets annoying and i decided to leave the hood the core support and tube where the fenders are and getting rid of the bed and roll bar out of it so if anyone needs a small truck roll bar let me know

What?

on another site and but thanks for ur suggestions i worked on my truck some more today and found out i have a broken shackle and the hanger is twisted so now i have a good idea to start collecting the pieces for a four link with coil over

I kind of agree that you might be better off building a leaf sprung truck first. Then after you have wheeled the piss out of it and are ready to step up to links you will have some experience wheeling and fabbing. I just did a three link on my rig and it was tough work. It is easy to get frustrated and say fuck it. You will end up with a poorly functioning linked truck that performs worse than your properly built leaf sprung truck. There is a lot of experience here on Pirate, and people say things for a reason. Mostly because they have been there and done that. Proceed with caution.....

Sounds like you got it all worked out already.... why come here looking for advice and shoot down all of our suggestions? I personally think you should go for simple first, then upgrade/change things when you notice weaknesses or places to improve.

sorry guys i am taking ur suggestions in im still considering the leaf spring suspension but i want to tube the rear frame

if you are going to tube the rear out then 4 link it. You could still leave the front leaf sprung. It will cost more from the start ,but will save you money in the long run. Atleast IMHO, since I would tube the rear out two different ways depending on if I was running a 4 link or leafs in the rear.

do the rear four link and tube the rear. the will be a good start and wont be to over whelming. leaf spring the front for now. there is a lot that can go wrong up there. the rear will be a goo learning experience for you then wheel the pis out of it. when you are ready to step up to the three link front you do that.

thanks for the suggestions i cant help but wonder if u guys can help some with the tubing of the rear frame since im considering scrapping it from where the cab starts to the end of the bed and then replacing with a tubed design

sorry guys i am taking ur suggestions in im still considering the leaf spring suspension but i want to tube the rear frame

Ah yes that changes everything. 3, or 4 link the rear. There are a lot of people that run some awesome truggys on here that have the rear 3 linked and the front leaf sprung.
Again search. Lot's of buildups where people are backhalfing the rear of their trucks are on here.

I think this buildup is going to help you out:http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=641709&highlight=poorboy1

He's a guy off one of my local clubs. Very nice truck with a 3 link and leaf springs.

thank you mopar redneck and everyone else im pulling the bed today i wish i could post pics

Why can't you?

i tried the other day and it wouldnt let me

shoot me an email with the pics and I'll put 'em up for ya.

mopar_big_block@yahoo.com

i will as soon as i get the bed off and take some pics of stuff i just recently spotted cuz i spent most of my time around the engine trying to get it running

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii183/mopar_big_block/Dakota.jpg
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii183/mopar_big_block/Pileofparts2.jpg
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii183/mopar_big_block/Pileofparts1.jpg
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii183/mopar_big_block/BrokenShackle.jpg
http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii183/mopar_big_block/BrokenShackle1.jpg

thanks mopar redneck how did u like the pic of the shackle

Looks like it hurt:D

most definitely wasnt my proudest moment i was pasture hopping when i managed that one