Lowering an '04 Dakota

[stevemelaaron]

I have a 2004 Dakota SLT Plus Quad Cab 2WD that I'd like to drop 1 to 2 inches in the front and 3 to 4 inches in the rear. I just put some 17x8.5 custom wheels with 265/65R17 rubber on it, and I'll be towing a watercraft behind it (approx. 1000 lbs. maximum, trailer and all). First of all, will there be any issues with clearance in the wheel wells, and second, where do I go for a kit to lower the truck? What components should I be looking at for this kind of drop (just coils, brackets, and blocks, or do I need struts, shocks, and swaybars too)? I've seen some kits on eBay by some outfit called "SuspensionMAX" that includes the coils, shackle hangers, and shocks for $289.95 - would this be everything I need to do the project?

Also, I'm reasonably handy, but have never worked with suspensions before - would this be a project that I could handle on my own, or should I have it done by a professional? I've heard that you can do it on your own, but afterwards, you have to take it in to have an alignment done.

Thanks!

--Steve