Budget Off Road 4x4 Project Episode Gets A Cheap Lift **Project DURANGED**

[@woodsystorm2935]

First fucking video I finally found that shows how to actually lift one of these Durango’s . I’ve been driving for 5 years and never found a video till now. Thank god.

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Glad I can help! Be sure to check out the whole series on project DURANGED.

[@everydayfamilyadventures1726]

I did a 3" lift on mine for less than $90 (then another $90 for all new shocks). My factory springs in the rear were definitely sagging so I added a leaf in the rear and also put in the lift shackles like you did. This compensated for the old sagging springs and got the rear to about 3" above factory. I was surprised to discover how much adjustment was available from the factory torsion bars and keys. I thought it would only be good for 1 to 1-1/2" but to my surprise I got 3" of lift from the factory setup. I didn't have to replace anything in the front. It rode rough until I realized the front control arms were on the bump stops. I did a ball joint flip (take 3 bolts out to detach the upper ball joint from the top of the control arm, then mount the ball joint to the bottom of the upper control arm with the same 3 bolts) and that worked perfectly. I needed new shocks anyway so rather than getting extensions, I just bought longer shocks. That took quite a bit of research to pick out the shocks and length I wanted. Also note: lifting the front changes the angles on the steering rack and causes the alignment to toe in. By some crazy miracle my camber was spot on after the lift but I did have to correct the toe quite a bit. I've got LT285/75-16 MT's on it now and the just rub a little bit in exactly the spot you said they would. I haven't finished fixing that yet. I'm trying to trim as little as possible. I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up with zip ties holding the fender liner to the rear.

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Dude that is awesome, I love seeing other people not be afraid to fuck shit up like me. I like the balljoint idea I might have to look at it. Thanks for sharing man! Would love to see it, hit me up on IG @mohawkdave555 .

[@esteban198364]

Mohawk Dave But Of-Ro how many inches do you lifts kit thank you

[@johnhandleson831]

Funny stuff .. I bought a 2000 Durango and they called it duranged ... I got it already lifted the same way you just did and the 3 " body lift installed ... I love your videos and it's sad but nice to see my truck is not the only one fighting tooth and nail to upgrade

[@calebwitac9005]

Just saying man. We had to redo a trailer. But if you ever leave shackles straight down. It basically gets rid of your suspension since the leaf springs can’t flex

[@nhfirewood]

For the future. And heavy duty commercial truck spring place can get the u bolts for you. Usually they bend and make them while you wait and they are super cheap. As you learned with the bolts. They can be a real pain. Usually it’s just way easier to cut cans pound them out. Also a torch would have helped you with most of the things you did. If you want cheap tires check out Treadright. They sell inexpensive retreads. Just make sure you ask them for matching side walls. And balance, mount them as soon as ya get them. They can be problematic but the company stands behind there products and will mail you a new one right away. But only if you show the problem right after purchase. Good job !!

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Thanks for the info, will definitely check that place out. I didnt know they still can sell retreads. And yes rust is a pain!!!

[@JacobEcret]

I’m running 265/75/16 toyo at 3, 3 inch wheel spacers on the front. Decent look

[@explorewithmarquise]

Can't wait to give my 99 dodge Durango 4wd 5.2l a lift. This is awesome man! 🤘💪🔥

[@FamousAmilo]

thank you so much im lifting my dakota and this is the only video ive found showing anything

[@robgindc1]

"...avoid all safety precautions & fuck shit up"? Words to live by, man; you rock - hard.

[@metisont]

Nice looking finished!!

[@MonkeyWrenching]

The axle flip is not as expensive as you may think, 6 degrees is what you’ll need to keep the pumpkin snout at the proper angle. Thrust angle wasn’t an issue for me other.

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

That is definitely one of the the things that I would love to do as well as a solid axle upfront with springs and hydrolic steering.

[@MonkeyWrenching]

It’s funny, I had nearly all the same issues with my $300 rango. I currently have a 5.5” lift on one and the 3” body lift on the other. The body lift won’t clear the 33/12.5 even with 2” wheel spacers, not the skinny 10” wides. Cutting and grinding, or go up a little more. Now the 5.5” kitted keeps spitting out front drive shafts. I’m thinking the axle drop isn’t right, though there’s not other way to install it. If it continues to give me issues, sas it is. And I’ll be doing a whole review on that, in time. Good to see the rango getting some love and attention, You May have just inspired me to give two shits about showing people more of what I’m doing with mine. Keep it up bud, mopar love from northern az.

[@dredog666415]

I used a impact on all my bolts that i soaked with pb blaster for a day or two and they all came out with ease

[@samweems5310]

Theres a pin in the lower control arm that keeps the torsion bar from moving forward

[@luedog8385]

no you have too cut the contorl arm off with the saws all

[@samweems5310]

@@luedog8385 no. Ive done it myself. You dont need to cut anything

[@luedog8385]

@@samweems5310 i was trying to he funny

[@yesicanu]

I don't know much about this project but that seems like an important piece of information for him

[@kamakool]

Just got a 2003 dd. Looking at options. Thnx for the vid

[@thulination]

Hey, keep up the videos! I have a 1999 durango that i have done the t/s lift on and it does great off road for overland type wheeling.

[@123whoib]

The beginning pretty much sums up every project I've done. Working on my 99 dakota blew the t case and it's a bitch to find on a tight budget at least in my part of the world

[@shannongriffith5663]

You keep giving me great ideas for my 00 quad cab Dakota. Thanks

[@loganloessin1848]

shannon griffith same

[@christopherkillian5566]

Hey man I watched your video so I can lift my Durango and was wondering if I need to update my stock shocks in order to do a 3 inch lift. Would it be higher if I put a block in between the springs? I hope you can answer my questions soon before I buy the stuff.

[@quiktv1587]

I did it the worst way possible, I put a 3”lift on my Durango, front end, I used 2 floor jacks, 1 for the key, and 1 for the truck, so the truck had something to land on if the jack for the key slipped, we put all the weight of the front end on the key floor jack, jacked it up until I could get the bolt in there, then just impacted it in, got it level first try! Honestly I wouldn’t recommend trying what I did... the jack for the key never slipped. Lucky ass me, phew

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Hahaha that is epic! I guess I feel better about the way that I did it now. I'm glad you are around to watch my vids after playing Russian roulette with floor jacks under a truck. And all your fingers to tipe a comment! Lol. Thanks for watching, more content is in the works for project DURANGED.

[@3vFrank]

where did you get the dual exhaust kit at? i cannot find one for my durango if you don’t know do you know what brand it was?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

It's a custom bent exhaust

[@quiktv1587]

I have an electric impact and I got mine out no problem😂

[@luedog8385]

sounds like they have low air pressure on that impact. hose might too long and small

[@jagwarjason3914]

i hate to say it but i run 33s on my stock durango as is... but now i have a newer durango n the one on 33s is going to be going on 44s as a mud truck!! but nice project truck... love that front end of this one here in the video!!

[@DaDdGang]

Is your Durango a 2000 I wanna run 33's on the stock 15" rims but figured I'd have to at least do the key and shackle lift

[@brcc8208]

Why haven't you taken the JL hardtop to the dealer?

[@danielatdownhomehobbies836]

So you only use the clamp to install the new keys?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Yes with the load off.

[@shaneonews6791]

Did you need to change the front shocks for lift?

[@robertgreen9747]

Why not put a Dakota rear in? The leaf springs sit on top of the axle, should give a 3 inch lift

[@robertgreen9747]

The Dakota rear is what I'm gonna do, I have the 2 inch shackles but don't like the way they show. Maybe I'll make a video about it

[@armandoacosta90]

The Dakota rear end automatically gives you 3 inch lift?

[@evon5664]

So wierd your rear leaf springs are on the bottom side of your differential. Is this standard on Durangos. Seems like bolders/ rocks and very rough terrain would cuase severe damage.

[@warclub2175]

I’m gonna do a 5in lift on my 2001 Dodge Durango

[@JacobEcret]

Gotta be all custom

[@jordanreza4899]

How does it ride on the road at normal speeds. Dont you need to change your CV axles to compensate for the difference in pitch.

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Seems to handle well. Alot of people watching this series have told me that they have been running this setup for a long time with no issues with the stock CV axels.

[@chrisreed4711]

Sweet deal. I love the headlights. I just replaced those on my 98 Durango. I did the shackle lift last year and lifted it 3"with new torsion keys. Fits 33"'s real well. Do those rancho shocks provide any lift?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

No lift with the shocks, just shackle and torsion. New updates coming soon.

[@chrisreed4711]

Sweet. I'm thinking about getting those shocks

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

@Porcelain Throne I high have never seen those, I just looked them up that's an interesting idea to get some more lift.

[@keniferusxj7047]

Heat rusted parts with torch ... it works

[@skitzout1]

Did you have to change the shocks?

[@outskirtscustoms]

I like the shaved hatch that's cool

[@Portfelio]

I'm planning on doing a simple torsion bar and shackle lift. Does this compromise anything on the Durango. I don't want to take it out to the dunes and have it fall apart on me.

[@kingebah2523]

I'm running 33s on my durango

[@Bigjamez2011]

What was total cost of the lift kit you spent ?

[@metisont]

ALWAYS ALWAYS LEAVE YOUR JACKALL JACK HANDLE IN THE UPWARDS POSITION! If it slips a tooth..that hande slams upwardt to the jackpole... IT WILL KNOCK YOU OUT COLD AND WORSE!

[@brooklynking889]

If you wanna run 33's you dont have to do any cutting I have a 2001 dodge Durango and I just put 33 inch tires on it and no rubbing or anything

[@antinormality]

I have 33’s on mine and they rubbed a lot until I did some trimming, cutting and bending. Even with a lift.

[@jorelldye4346]

@@antinormality What was your lift height? Always be specific. It's oddly hard to find the exact lift height that will fit most 33's.

[@armandoacosta90]

Can this be done to any year Durango?? In this body style?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Yeah if it's a 4wd

[@djdominorgv]

Good job on the lift! Where did you get your front bumper from?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Thanks! It is an Ebay Jeep Jk bumper kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4bOi62ZotyVjM0

[@djdominorgv]

Oh snap! Thanks!!!

[@ryangray4199]

Can you just remove the blocks between the axel and leaf springs and not add extextions the the end of the leafsprings and still a 2-3in lift from just removing the block?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

I originally had lowering blocks. It does not come with blocks from factory.

[@Dieseldad518]

Parts list please. Need to know what I have to order for the same lift on my 99

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Ebay. Lifting Torsion keys and drop shackle kit.

[@bumblebflow8584]

Your 99 can get the 5.5 lift kit. Seeing it was prior to rack and pinion

[@RebeLxONE]

where did you get that clamp at for putting the new keys on?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Harbor freight to the rescue!

[@spencerjohnson1499]

Where did you get that front bumper? That's friggin sweet also I have a 2002 rango with the 4.7 its awd I want to do a 3 inch lift but what is the maximum tire size that will fit a 33?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Its a jeep bumper. There is video on it in the Playlist.

[@spencerjohnson1499]

I saw the list of your goodies you put into it but the bumper you had the company no longer makes dohh

[@spencerjohnson1499]

It's going to be my hunting/camping off road rig

[@mumblez22]

About to buy a 98 no rust. Just needs a battery and the brakes which they already bought for a wopping $650. It's the 5.2 318 and I'm really not sure why they are selling so cheap. Gas prices going up and nobody biting on their ad. But I'm about to scoop it up when my tax check comes in

[@mumblez22]

Man Idk if I'd do this to my truck if I were to buy it. The way the leaf springs and the shackles themselves hang down so low I don't like the way it looks and I need mine to be streetable too. Hmm I will look at other options

[@mumblez22]

maybe find a parts tuck with an lift on it already

[@nickmcbride1208]

Have you driven it on the road at speed and if so did it drive straight and feel as good as before

[@frasertive2726]

He said he isn't going to drive it on the street anymore in the beginning.

[@vr-irl9104]

Still have the front bumper you took off the durango?

[@adriannabaker2079]

Did you have to shackle both ends of leaf springs

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

No just the rear.

[@adriannabaker2079]

@@MohawkDaveOffRoad I didn't think so thanks

[@mickyquiroga3517]

Have you got any danger with that?

[@Powerstroke7911]

Hey man, I just came across this video by chance. Where did you get the parts for lifting this Durango?

[@GoCubsSoxSuck123]

go on ebay. Supreme suspension is the brand for the lift kit

[@2cents422]

Just don't forget to take that transmission out and beef it up. Their near end of life at 160K.

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

2 Cents its is my 3rd lol

[@denverstaib1025]

My 98 has 250k and stock tranny still does fine.

[@everydayfamilyadventures1726]

My trans is still going strong after 240k. The 4.7L engine on the other hand... It's got a rod knocking so it's a ticking time bomb. Still runs strong but I know it's going to throw that rod eventually.

[@luedog8385]

lmao this guys favorite tool is a saw

[@bradrheinheimer1525]

Typical the rear bolts are rusted to the bushings. Buy new bushings and grade 8 bolts with washers before you start..

[@Lobatos09]

When you did the lift did you have to mess with the alignment? Or switch out the tow arms?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

I did not. But if you do driving on the street I would definitely recommend to do an alignment.

[@valentinotorres2867]

Broooo! That bumper man, where did you get it? What brand is it?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4bOi62ZotyVjM0 here you go man!

[@joshgreathouse6675]

Why the xterra roof rack though

[@tomhughes5078]

I have a 3" body on mine running 33" 11.5

[@master6435]

A person can get u bolts at any AutoZone or auto parts store

[@barbaraflores2]

You have link the bumper eBay? Im lookin this bumper

[@johnathanhill9291]

I'm having problem with security system . Every time I lock doors from inside and come back the next time to unlock with key . Security goes off . How can I completely disarm the alarm system . This is my mud toy so don't want the system causing me anymore problems

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Cut the horn wires lol ;) sorry I honestly dont remember what's involved with that. I know there are some wires in some wiring harness you have to cut. But I dont remember which ones.

[@austinknutson8404]

What brand did you use ?

[@jigginjay6232]

Where can I get that front bumper

[@stevemisner1751]

Where did you find rear window vents ?? I did not know they made them for the 3rd window

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

They dont. I used 2 sets of the regular vents and used the rear extras on the 3rd row.

[@stevemisner1751]

Ok thank you

[@Dodge3500Dually]

How are those u-bolts working so far? Thinking about picking some up because i cant find them for my truck anywhere.

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

They are holding like a champ

[@Dodge3500Dually]

Mohawk Dave BU Off-Road sweet man, i need some bad!

[@Dodge3500Dually]

Mohawk Dave BU Off-Road did those u bolts also come with nuts? Stupid question but i need to know.

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Yeah they did

[@Dodge3500Dually]

Mohawk Dave BU Off-Road thanks man. Did you get new center pins for the leaf springs?

[@davidmcdevitt7079]

Can we get a parts list

[@jmanstuck]

Is that an Xterra roof rack?

[@jessebrailey4462]

Was that piece in the front that you replaced modified to lift the Durango or was it the angle you put it on that lifted it?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

That is a durango torsion key. I used one that I got on Ebay . It has a different index for the torsion bars. Its called a lift key.

[@jessebrailey4462]

Mohawk Dave BU Off-Road thanks man. Not much information online for lifting a Durango

[@jaysenhokanson5832]

How much of a lift did you put on and what's the link to the parts you got?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

It's a 3 inch lift. And it's just Ebay Torsion key shackle lift. There are a bunch to choose from.

[@jaysenhokanson5832]

Is the torsion key a 3 inch to?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Yes.

[@jaysenhokanson5832]

Alright thank you

[@jaysenhokanson5832]

Is there any certain way to put the keys on?

[@bly4233]

Do they all have those lowering blocks?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

No. The my Durango was a show truck back in the day and it was lowered. That's why I had those blocks in there.

[@DrumnG83.]

Where did you get that front bumper? Thats tough! 👍

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

It was an ebay bumper for a jeep jk.

[@DrumnG83.]

Awesome! Thanks.

[@marcosgonzalez7691]

What was the total cost on that lift?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

About 200 bucks and a ton of cutting.

[@xarlockshowtochannel1033]

@@MohawkDaveOffRoad I have a 1999 Durango 4WD, can you post a link to where you got that lift kit at? I went through Harvey and pushed a wave in front of my truck that was 6" higher than my hood. My wife told me that I needed on. Gotta love that! But until now I had never seen a video on how to do it. Next time you do something like that, put some cinder blocks under those jack stands. If they are not touching the truck, they are not doing much good. Anyway, thanks, and keep it up!

[@nanos.4872]

New subscriber

[@TjayMueller]

Xterra roof rack?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Works perfect

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJqlh4WOr6mWptk

[@TjayMueller]

@@MohawkDaveOffRoad i didnt expect a reply. But i got a 2004 xterra i just bought. I love the Duranged build btw.

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

I try to reply to everyone as much as I could. Thanks for watching my vids. I love xterras overall, I think they are underrated rigs just like the durangos. I'm glad you like the build, hopefully it will warm up soon so I can get that pig in the mud soon lol.

[@reckless2525]

What headlights are those???

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

They are clear headlights from ebay with retrofit projectors.

[@robertarellano6935]

Where can i get a lift for my 2000 durango

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Ebay Dude! hahaha

[@donnieparker5727]

Can I do this and still drive it on road?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Depending on your state laws.

[@donnieparker5727]

@@MohawkDaveOffRoad I live in Tn and I was wondering where did you order the parts

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

@@donnieparker5727 ebay.

[@creteking23]

You poor bastards dealing with rust.....say what you want about california but could've been done with a cresent wrench on my 77 rc and 00 durango

[@harleybarnes7449]

Where can I find the lift kit at and the roof rack

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Ebay for the lift. And also Nissan roof rack from junkyard. Check out the other videos.

[@jaguar7069]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@dylanburchard3241]

Where did u get that transformers hood emblem from?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Dylan Burchard I actually made it. Masked off the emblem and then sprayed it so you can still see the ram under it.

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Dylan Burchard ok holly shit that is impressive that you spotted that! I'm gonna have to get a close up for the next vid.

[@dylanburchard3241]

Mohawk Dave BU Off-Road thanks definitely appreciate it and also where can i get me a duranged sticker from

[@dylanburchard3241]

Mohawk Dave BU Off-Road sweet nice job one of a kind

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

Dylan Burchard we are working on decals shirts and hats. I can send you a decal on the house as soon as they are available!

[@jeremygibb2517]

What year Durango?

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

2001 slt plus.

[@jeremygibb2517]

@@MohawkDaveOffRoad Very nice build. I am hoping to get a 98 soon. Want to get 33's under her and hit the trails.

[@madmanmadman7967]

Cummins swap it 😂😂😂

[@ScantPear]

Durango not duranged

[@MohawkDaveOffRoad]

It was a Durango a long time ago. Now it is DURANGED.

[@ScantPear]

@@MohawkDaveOffRoad so you renamed it but don’t get rid of that car its my dream car i also have one too... my very first car ride after I was born was in the first gen Durango and I still have that car to this day