We're Going To Unleash Greatness In An Ordinary Dodge Dakota!

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#fabrats #dodgedakota #diy
We're a few parts closer to getting Jace's Dodge Dakota up and running! It may look rough, but it's got greatness! Check it out! Make sure to follow along with us as we build and fabricate cool stuff!!
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[@Crewsy]

@16:14 Hunter proving he’s smarter than a tripod. Just one of the many reasons it’s great to have Hunter around.

[@Crewsy]

That Behemoth Colossus Transfer case is a piece of artwork. Almost to pretty to have under a truck that will actually leave the asphalt. Since Paul knows 😉 Jace will never abuse the truck it’s great that he’s thinking overkill is the way to do all the fabrication.

[@skippyjones4195]

Hey Paul you are SUPER DAD ❤💪🏻👍✌️I lost my dad when I was 14 I’m 66 now and it still bothers me But it really warms my heart to watch you and your boys Thank you 🙏🏻

[@ordinarypete]

I’m 42 and never had a dad thanks to agent Orange and Vietnam… can you be my dad?

[@skippyjones4195]

Sure thing sorry about your Dad 🙏🏻

[@stevenlamb4099]

i just love watching this family. i was 30, when my dad passed, im 58 now. it still hurts. but all happy thoughts when i see this.

[@dimo2224]

I swear if you guys would make 3hr videos I would watch every friggen min. You guys need a flow jet or large cnc plasma table. Couldn’t imagine what you guys would do. ❤❤

[@garlandremingtoniii1338]

I don’t know about the rest of my fellow subscribers, But, I’m seriously serious looking forward to this truck 🛻 being finished and, up and a RUNNING!! The FAB-RAT’S-WAY!! Which is, the best way!! WOO-HOO!!

[@breckjones5987]

The only thing better then being on vacation is being on vacation and keeping up with my favorite KZbin channel Fabrats.

[@tedhockstad243]

Such a pleasure to see how much quality time you invest in your children ❣️ You are an amazing father 🙏 such joy in watching your videos 👍

[@schweglerd]

Paul’s method for installing CV’s is really impressive. The way he manages to slide all of the pieces together without any difficulty is nothing short of magic… well done

[@chrisperks1112]

RCV's

[@derekboberg9766]

@@chrisperks1112 RCV's are a type of CV, even Paul calls them CV Joints.

[@briangalloway3684]

​@@derekboberg9766 yeah, Chris is a troll

[@timlove5179]

It constant velocity joints where done the R come in it serious questions from the south Wales valley uk 48 years in the trade never heard of a rcv 🤣🤣

[@chrisperks1112]

@@timlove5179 rcv is the brand bud

[@chestertaylor6257]

Of course, Hunter had to catch that motor mount. Both you and Ben had told him that he's quality control. I'm just happy he's finally stepped up to the plate.

[@rccrawlersmid-wales645]

I'd love to know more about the various trucks you're building - what they are, where they came from, what the problems were, why you're doing it, what they're going to be for. That kind of thing. The reasons! Just context to make it easier to get invested in what you're doing. 👍

[@lonhoschar1943]

By golly the ol' Dakota is starting to shape up!! You guys still amaze me!! All the knowledge you guys have is mind boggling to me!!

[@mikemiller9119]

I like how you guys finally put lights underneath so we can see what you’re doing. Small improvements make a better show.

[@billwalker5883]

You should be proud of yourself sir. Your are doing what most would love to be able to do for their kids. Each one of them should sit high in their seats as they drive those vehicles

[@kworld429]

And at least pretend to smile more.

[@BitBuhkit]

@@kworld429lol, he might have been having a bad day. Summer BB is probably over, has a few months to wait...

[@jacksnow1703]

I really enjoy watching the interesting builds, but I love the banter and comradery of the crew. Thanks for sharing!

[@Jrsclassics]

That one son with the little Dodge is not afraid of work. He can set in that chair and watch you guys with no problem.

[@gregquinn6827]

As a mechanic, I know that mechanics often love best what they know best. I enjoy the fact that these guys are willing to tackle a Ford, a Chevy,a Toyota or a Dodge or a Suzuki, a forklift, or some totally unknown machine; and it’s all in a days fun.

[@richardthomas1743]

Good morning everybody and thumbs UP to Fab Rats! 👍

[@JanelleVocate-Ames]

[@Grant-H2O]

Good Morning ☀️

[@almacipriani3508]

I love watching all the hijinks and mechanic’ing y’all do Everyone staying involved and having a great time. Precious moments when your building memories.

[@JDCarterMusic]

I love these videos! Good job Cox family, good job editor, all y'all!

[@PBMayor2]

I sure enjoy watching Fam Rats. What a great role model Paul’s Family has.

[@matthewdesherlia1838]

Is and has

[@gillesbelliveau660]

Thank for letting us in your garage. I enjoy what you do and wish I could be there helping in everyday stuff. Going back to another video.... your going to enjoy the cement pads you poured the other day.

[@jamesbigham9036]

Paul you are a true inspiration and someone I look up to as a father figure in a lot of ways.

[@edwinschlee8374]

Yeah, Paul I'm sure Jace will drive it nice and easy up and any rocks he can find! Looking good so far!

[@09dave1952]

He must take after Mom:)

[@michaelclairforet5031]

One of the best videos you’ve ever done. Throughly enjoyable, informative and entertaining. More like this please

[@dono_d31]

great content watch you guys all the time, greetings from sunny South Africa to Paul and team, hunter get a pocketknife and carry it around with you man, michelle dont worry about the haters you laughter and naming af parts is great.

[@gregcullen248]

Smiles,Fun, Educational and entertaining. Thank You

[@TheMr9fingers]

I take it the adding back of the cross member will strengthen the engine mounts they look like a weak point when lots of torque is applied cause like you said they are going to be driving it so nicely 😂. Your Boys are lucky to have you and the team with the trucks you are building with them.

[@patrickulju583]

I had to 😂 at the "33k miles!" I personally know of two early/mid 90s, 4x4 V8 Dakotas (both white) that the odometer stopped at 32 or 33k miles. My family put at least another 90k before it shipped to MN to spend the rest of its days as a winter truck. The other left to Oregon with at least another 60k, but that was in the late 90s. That Colossus transfer case looks great! Gonna be another bad-ass truck. As always, thanks and I love the videos.

[@schweglerd]

That transfer case is awesome looking!

[@jmn93065]

$4700 dollars awesome. Thanks you tube.

[@curtcasper1549]

The truck is now worth about $6,000...

[@timothycarey3883]

​@@jmn93065an atlas is half the cost, must have got a great deal or freebie on this one.

[@schweglerd]

@Alice-ki7os hey man. I appreciate the offer. No thanks. Have a great rest of your day.

[@stephenpoe2037]

Loving the Dakota Build ! some good progress .. Easy way to collect hay now days . Better than by hand . Thanks for sharing .

[@mikekuczynski1552]

Nice project, no doubt this will be the coolest Dodge Dakota 4x4 on the trail. Thanks for sharing

[@cfarah1]

The coupler in the trailer hitch is awesome!

[@beaumont9072]

Idea Paul when you order a little parts, you could easily make yourself but you say you don’t have time from Barnes if you scan the measurement into your fab table, real fast, your plasma, cutter table then you got the dimensions and measurements saved to your table already and you could just whip out a part when you need it just a idea for in the future🤷🏼💪🏼🇺🇸👍🏼

[@greghardy7239]

I can't wait to see how that straight axle fits. I've seen a few straight axle conversation on Dakota's but none were the same.

[@deandennis2838]

I always love the explanation as you sort through the details. This is by far my favorite channel yet. Love you guys/gals

[@reddog543211]

Great job all involved !!... I love to watch you guys rebuild things UP to Fab Rats standards !!.... thanks for sharing this with all of us @

[@skyepilotte11]

That transfer case looks bullet proof...very nice build..

[@h2owaffleshop809]

It better be for almost 5 grand

[@anthonylee2099]

Great to see Jace’s truck getting a lot of Love. 🤙😎

[@lawrenceengel3330]

So cool to have this build up going for your boy 👌

[@TheOldaz1]

That will be a great little truck when you get it done. Nice works so far, thanks guys.

[@snchilders]

I was really impressed with Behomoth's shipping method.

[@marvincarter870]

Jace's truck is getting a nice upgrade on the front axle and has a new very nice transfer case. Looking good and Grandma Lolly is watching these boys!

[@DarkHawk666]

I think we need to build grandma an offroad vehicle 😂

[@davidbarnsley8486]

That clock looks great maybe he needs to do you a deal and we could buy them from your store 👍👍 On a separate note could you paint something that you made Eastwood make some very nice chassis black and I sure that front diff would look real nice painted black

[@dave6501]

Thank-you for the great video again Fab Rats Team 😎. Hunter Hunter. You wake up you do your thing. As you leave your room with pants or shorts, so long as they have a pocket; you have a knife in your dominant hand pocket. Your 1/2 way to Paul's and you realize; you for got your phone; you go to work... Your 1/2 to Paul's; you realize you don't have your pocket knife; you turn around and get your knife; Paul will understand when you; say "i would have been on time but i had to go get my knife." 😇

[@ktucky50]

I Dont miss an episode but want to say the video editor is great. Thanks Fab Rats for sharing

[@febbral]

Paul, those firework salutes that fail to go off are extremely dangerous, I was 10 years old and were throwing 1 inch salutes and one failed to go off, one of the young kids picked the unexploded salute and put in his paints pocket, about 30 seconds later it exploded, fortunately he didn`t get hurt too bad, but he sure yelled pretty loud.

[@gearguy603]

Oh man, I had bought a ‘93 wrangler and someone had attempted to replace the inner seal on the 4x4 auto engage in the front axle. Not only did they not get it seated correctly, but they had also used a chisel and hit the edge of the race. Well, let me tell you… that is not a large space to work in! I had to lay there sanding the chip/burr down with the tips of two fully extended fingers. What a frickin chore!!!

[@snowboycalli116]

Paul you are one good dad To fix up your kids trucks I had to learn how to do it myself when I was 13 I rebuilt a 225 slant 6 in a doge dart I bought for 75$ my dad told me to do the best I could I got it running it was awesome for me that is why it so nice to see a dad show his kids what to do I know you are going to fix your wife's Jeep really nice for her I'm looking for a 78 or 79 Ford bronco to fix up now I'm 53 and that's my dream ride I love your videos they are the best ever

[@TechwithKyler]

I've missed this series up to this point, so I'm not familiar with all the modifications up to now, but I applaud anyone who is willing to take on working on any gen dakota. Aftermarket heavy duty parts are near impossible to find.

[@davelee9087]

Caught the Mt Dew delivery boy! Great job. At least he knows what is important. Almost everyone is gainfully employed. Appreciated Hunter's observation about removing the bolt. He has done things like this before. He is a (gasp) lookahead thinker!

[@carlosv393]

That transfer case looks sweet! Love this build! Going to use this as a guide when I do the same. What brand of wheels are on the rear of the Dakota, those look sweet! Thanks for the great videos

[@lf-1942]

Suggestion on the cross member. Make it so it bolts on not welded on. So when you need to change the oil pan gasket you can actually do it without cutting off the cross member or lifting the engine.

[@2008mjb]

If anyone knows a good floor sealant to use in this type of garage that doesn't break the bank, sure would love a recommendation. I am also asking so that maybe Paul would chose to use it too. "Oh I guess we would need a pan..." or what we usually hear "That's what saw dust is for."

[@williamtarpley4025]

When our shop was built we asked for the floors to be sealed was great idea as we are able to absorb all liquids spilt no ugly stain in floor

[@Skip-z5g]

Fab rat you and the guy’s are doing a great job building Jason truck can’t wait for the rest of the build you and the guy’s have a wonderful day😊

[@lanesworld4000]

Another great video ❤. Remember when they said the off road rollback was going to be a super quick project 👍

[@donnajackson9782]

We are ALL guilty of it, But that look of teenage angst on Jace's face just crack's me up!Whew, he looks like he's being tortured while everybody is fixing up his pick up.

[@mineaim7066]

9:10 Mr Graders doing the real work keeping the Mountain Dew stocked!

[@billsrq1788]

Morning all from Siesta Key Florida

[@gapster46]

I had a loaner 3/4 ton Dodge as a loaner for a little over a month with those Ironman tires on it. They were ok on logging roads, but on pavement they were squirrelly as all get out. He said it didn’t do that before he put those tires on. I’ve seen those tires in one of your earlier videos, so you may already be aware of that. Cool looking tieres. Fine off road, horrible on pavement.

[@DaffyDuc69]

Next time you try to install the front hubs and they won't go with RCV's, install the RCV to the unit bearing, and then to the hub and install it all at once to the ujoints. Few axles I did, it was the only way.

[@HTF4x4]

I haven’t watched your videos in a couple months so I got a lot of catching up to do starting with this one and so far this dakotas gonna be a beast

[@malcolmyarnold6172]

Hi guys good job as usual love watching your videos keep up the good work looking forward to seeing your new videos

[@ITGuyOhio]

Wow! Nice work on the Dakota. I would love to be able to do this to my F150.

[@travissmith1599]

Ball joint delete kit from American Iron off-road

[@dannyharp6922]

When are you ever going to do Michelle’s Jeep, I think she been waiting a long time for it, But she always gets pushed to the back of the line. Love your show

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Very nice job. It's coming along nicely so far. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Fab On. Weld On Keep Making. God bless.

[@josemercado1750]

Hey guys be safe. When taking all that weight off the front use Jack's at the rear. I saw someone remove weight from a truck and it fell off a 2 post lift.

[@rmarsh8082]

Shawn says "...purt near..." I like it! Think that should be a new t-shirt!

[@dragnfli520]

What a great DAD Paul is!

[@panoramama]

I know what a great dad !! I can totally relate how much IFS sucks for off-roading and Paul’s kids is getting a SAS and beefy T-case for his truck. I keep telling myself one day one day !!

[@wesman7837]

@panoramama Right? Lucky kid has a ton of great parts to start off with, and by the time they are done building that truck, it's going to be bad to the bone!

[@mikedoran4763]

Ben says, "That'll buff out". 😄😆🤣😂

[@morganweast4228]

You have to cut Ben some slack on the rear end assembly, it was still bolted in the vehicle, where as Paul was working on a bench.

[@riversharp180]

Never been this early to watch anything on Internet let alone KZbin I feel special lol I guess my reason cause I am usually at work 12 to 14 hours a day dark thirty to dark thirty I sure most can relate got to break it before you make it as my gramps says

[@chunkyharper9467]

For that front drive shaft see about using an axle shaft from a front twin I beam ford f250 you can cut to length and is strong and easy to fit in tuft places. Even if you use it fir a short shaft into a carrier bearing then down to axle to avoid hitting crossmember. Just an idea

[@steelmill]

Thanks for all of the tips and tricks on these solid axle swaps,It's something that I need to do.

[@COM70]

I love that your boys are on crew all the time at the moment. Great dynamic ❤

[@kentmackey2717]

A lot more "employees" in the shop lately! It will be nice when they have the extra space ready to go.

[@bryduhbikeguy]

Oh yes,I see dry paved roads and sometimes the most gentle rolling hills covered with soft grasses in store for this truck from now on.Gentle rub downs with a soft shammy each day...

[@Highlordratick]

That is one thing I like about your shop anyone can speak up if they see something that dose not look right.

[@larrydudley2941]

I love my Freedom tee shirts thank you for so many years of making us videos

[@jimbobih]

awesome video as always. love the shop clock. i sent out a clock back in aug 2021. i always wondered if you received it. it was an old welding helmet

[@michaelwhited9271]

As a fabricator myself it always amazes me just how great Paul is love it

[@mossberg7172]

As a machinist, he does some awesome stuff but still makes me cringe sometimes.

[@thelonewrangler1008]

​@mossberg7172 But as someone who's never had any formal training as a fabricator or machinist, I'd say there's nothing cringe about the way he's taught himself how to do what he does 🤷‍♂️🇺🇲

[@mossberg7172]

Not taking away from him at all just once in a while I have to shake my head

[@wesman7837]

@mossberg7172 The only thing that makes me cringe is how often they don't wear safety glasses! I guess we need to send ALL of these guys a pair of safety glasses or a few!

[@jacksprat3287]

i sent matt a pair and he dosent wear them hes an idiot @@wesman7837

[@KRAVER_]

@Hunter, Everytime Paul asks how the welding looks . you should say "looks like it is going to fall off".

[@jcnme]

Yet Another Excellent Video Y'all ❤ Thank You for sharing your journey ❤🙏🏻

[@Domino705-]

I wanna hear what Landon thinks! I see him out there putt'n around, all "under the radar" lookin like he's at a regular 9-5 workin in some random shop lol. Great Vid. FR thanks

[@garychristison763]

A Dakota would be one of the last vehicles I would spend time fixing up. Nice to see you all thinking outside the box and trying to make something out of nothing.

[@billbillinger2491]

While it's true, they are not a popular build platform, they are a true mid-size p/u (with a factory V8!) on a bonafide 1/2 ton frame. This makes them great trail rigs with a bed. Since they are not using 'Dakota specific, bolt on parts', it will end up a custom built rig. Fun fact: Most all the typical wear parts were also used on the 1500, and Grand Cherokee as well. So parts are still readily available.

[@COM70]

That is some top tier critical thinking from Hunter. Well done ❤

[@harrytaylor6854]

Good stuff very nice transfer case ,She's coming together well done guy's

[@MikeBaxterABC]

I've been doing research for a year .. I am totally UNSOLD on AB Air Lockers :( (or my application) .. I'm slowly fitting a HUGE step van, eventually it will have 14 bolt frolt and rear, and I'm choosing Eaton TruTrack! .. automatic .. fantasist in snow!! Next stoe s far is !! >> The stock rear axel is already 14 bolt .. I'm swapping lower (higher numerically) gears to 5:13 an adding the Eaton! :)

[@TrzCharlie]

Cool project. That trucks gonna be a ripper.

[@dalegereaux1863]

Nice work on the Dakota ! 👍

[@chancemackey3197]

Wish that was my 94 Dakota. Man that's going to be a sweet rig when it's done.

[@gzrgldr8288]

Hey Paul. I know you probably don't read these, but I am very curious in case you do. With all of the issues you have had with air lockers, what is the reason you continue to run those over the Eaton E-Locker or an Ox Locker? I've watched several episodes where the air lockers were an issue on various vehicles. I know people like them, just don't understand why. Thanks

[@sparkyofsocal]

Wondering the same thing

[@FabRats]

The arb is the strongest one you can get

[@ExpatPhil]

Paul, like me you seem to be a "Bleeder", the difference being I keep a tube of Superglue in my workshop, cuts big or small, straight to the glue, job done!

[@loren1610]

Great watching you build trucks for your boys.

[@johnperun232]

😂Thanx for sharing all, Paul and Fab Rats appreciate your videos Have a Great Day 👍

[@MikeBaxterABC]

7:25 .. what do you mean "gear box" .. which gear box???

[@georgerogers542]

I move d from Washington state with a well supplied shop and a 252 miller to a friends ranch in Arizona with hobby welders and a buzz box and I`m 60 and haven`t arch welded since I was in high school . So frustrating.

[@justinh7099]

Man that's one beautiful transfer case

[@914Rocky]

East coast person here. I never knew how hay was baled. Really cool.

[@lesnicholson3578]

Thank you again from Berea Kentucky!✌️😎

[@jeremyhanna3852]

So on the rcv axles pull the front off like you did then slide the orange cup off the rear stick the orange cup in the knuckle area assemble the ball joints then shove the axle in threw hole into the orange cup it will fit threw the hole like a stock axle then put the front on and finish install

[@GordgonzolaIsMyBottombitch]

He got it done he don’t need your bogus advice