Anybody tubbed a First Gen Dakota or got a decent tire under one? Wondering how hard it would be to bring a tire into the springs or to the frame and what kind of tire size would fit.....

At stock height, the tires clear the rear fenders. The box inner fenders overhangs the frame by 3"-4" on each side, the factory wheel wells are about 12" wide. The track width of a Dakota is about 60", but the factory wheels have a lot of backspacing. The factory rear axle is either a 7 1/4 or an 8 1/4".

If you want to deal with a narrow rear end, pro-street an 87-96 Dakota would be pretty easy. Move the inner fender back to the frame, fill the gap, mount up the narrow rear axle, (or get the proper backspacing on the wheels), and put on the meats. Gene

I have a few sets of wheels but I'm going to have to pick a diff and shorten it I think.
Can the springs be moved inside the frame rails? Any idea? Or is there a fuel tank in the way?
I bought a Dakota but it's at a buddy's place, I won't see it until next week...

Thanks Gene!

You can get you a set of ford explorer front spring hangers and mount the springs under the frame. It's easier than moving them to the inside of the frame.

Have you ever done it? I'm just wondering how high the rear of the truck would have to sit...? I dont have the truck with me yet