(spike50) In an effort to answer your question; If the front axles aren't locked, what's going on up there?
First some history... In the past, to engage 4WD, the driver had to do TWO things. 1) Select the "4WD lock" on the xfer case selector 2) Get out of the vehicle and twist the center of each front wheel to engage the axle-wheel connection. (It is hard to imagine that one had to get out and stand in muck up to their ankles to engage the 4WD but that is EXACTLY how it worked)
Step2 has been improved over the past several years. Now when step1 is done, an electric signal is sent to the front axles to engage them.
To specifically answer your question. The front wheels are not LOCKED together. There is an open differential (non-LSD) in the front just like in the rear. In other words, the only 'locking' that is taking place is the connection of the wheels to the axle... the differential is NOT locked in any way.
While in BWI today waiting to put my son on a flight to New Mexico, I read over an article, "Unlocking the Mystery - An Inside look at an IFS Differential". Someone had linked it within one of the posts here. I'm slow but I think I'm getting it. Can't wait to crawl under the Quad and get the lay of the land. This visual inspection along with the shop manual and the expert help offered free of charge by all of you will get me up to speed on all of these systems. Thanks again!
Thanks guys for your heartfelt support. Unfortunately, stupidity is not a crime. Were it so, most of the dealerships would suffer an extreme shortage of sales people. Stupid is defined as taking an order, having the order manager misinterpet the meaning of "restriction", then not informing the customer of the change. I realize it is extremely difficult to gather together enough inept people to perform thus, but Reedman Dodge is steep with this type of talent. They did offer extended warranty, and I don't think I would want them changing out components of or whole differentials. The level of trust is just not there. I have reordered, and I allegedly have been awarded a high priority profile, but it is difficult to believe some of these people. I truly appreciate your concern for my situation. If this is the worst thing that ever happens to me, then I consider myself lucky. Thanks again, I'll keep you "posted."
Ok is there any way to combine these 4 or 5 Quad Cab topics. As we can all see this is getting harder and harder to keep up with. Poor Bookitty keeps posting the same thing in four different places. Just lump these topics together and be done with it. It would be a whole lot easier.
Talked to Ernie today and checked out that Equipment Code DDC, which is what I ordered, is the 5 speed manual with the Wide Gear Ratio pattern. This means you have a 4.0:1 first gear. Ernie feels that DDC is the only one available with the 4.7L Quad.
I also have the 4WD, LSD, 3.55, HD Service Group, T&Handling, and 4W ABS.
Heard that bookitty is on "high priority". I think you're doing the right thing. Its America, you get what you want not what they give you.
Heres one for you guys.I talked to a friend of mine about changing the 3:92 ring and pinion on my 4x4 Quad to 3:55`s. He told me I would have to change the front wheel drive gears as well. Is that true ? I also think we should put all our Quad chat on one topic. How about "2000 Quad Cab Chat" Johnboy9
I'm curious about something: I ordered a garnet red Dakota in October and was told the color was "on restriction".To this day I can't recall seeing any with that color.What's that all about? Ed
johnboy9 - I am getting a little out of my depth here, but that doesn't sound too far from the truth. If you don't you may have problems when the 4x4 is locked. I would be more comfortable if someone who knew more about these things jumped in though.
edermar - Deep Garnet Red was one of the new colors for 2000. Originally all of the new colors were on restriction until the official launch date (October 1st), but they soon got pushed further back - take Amber Fire Pearl as an example. As far as I know the Deep Garnet Red hasn't been cancelled as a 2000 option, but I don't know when (or if)it came off restriction.
Thanks Andy and Bookity for your help.Iwas seriously thinking of the swap.The ring and pinion only cost about 200.00 plus labor.I`m not sure I want to do all that changing.Most of my Quad driving will be on mostly steep hilly highway [I-75] between Las Vegas and Cedar City ,Utah.I don`t pull a trailer,therefore I would prefer the 3:55`s for better mileage and less RPM`S. Bookity I`m sorry about your truck,but I think you did the right thing by refusing it.I think you will be more than happy with it when you get it.It is a pure pleasure to drive and the sound of the exhust is racey sounding. My buying experience was the best I ever had.I communicated by email with the dealer in Clarkston Michigan and made the deal,[Town & Country Dodge] The truck was clean,gased up and the paperwork was ready.The following day I drove it back to Nevada.Sweet deal! Thanks guys. JOhnboy9 Michigan {Town & Country Dodge]
Thanks Andy and Bookitty for your help.Iwas seriously thinking of the swap.The ring and pinion only cost about 200.00 plus labor.I`m not sure I want to do all that changing.Most of my Quad driving will be on mostly steep hilly highway [I-75] between Las Vegas and Cedar City ,Utah.I don`t pull a trailer,therefore I would prefer the 3:55`s for better mileage and less RPM`S. Bookitty I`m sorry about your truck,but I think you did the right thing by refusing it.I think you will be happier with it when you get it.It is a pure pleasure to drive and the sound of the exhaust is racey sounding. My buying experience was the best I ever had.I communicated by email with the dealer in Clarkston Michigan and made the deal,[Town & Country Dodge] The truck was clean,gased up and the paperwork was ready.The following day I drove it back to Nevada.Sweet deal! Thanks guys. JOhnboy9
I've seen several in central PA. Although this color looks good on two-tone SLT's, I've found that the darker paints pronounce any scratch in the thick clear-coat. White scratches all over the place.
Wife has a '98 Stratus, Deep Garnet Red and I'm thinking about having the car professionally buffered.
I have been paging back through the topics trying to learn as much as I can from you guys and try not to ask dumb questions, and I have learned a lot. However, I am now confused about the gear ratio thing. Most of the talk I have seen is about 5sp. I have to get an auto because its easier on my wife's bad knee. If you get an auto tranny QC: 1.is there a choice of transmissions? 2.can you translate their gear ratios into the same type terms as y'all have with the 5sp - 3.55 gets better mileage and 3.92 is better for acceleration (or did I get those reversed?) I have seen pictures of 2 garnets in a web site for a dealer in Oklahoma that offers QCs at invoice plus $49.50 (www.autoinvoice.com). All I have seen in my area are red, which is fine with me. BTW, anyone had any good luck purchasing from a site like this or auto-at-cost.com? Did anyone ever provide the name of the 3d party warranty service where the guyu got a 6/100k ext warranty for $825 (and, if so, what was the deductible?
I think on 11 March you indicated you were getting 16.5-17 mpg. Is that in town with 4x4, auto, 4.7L? Does anyone have any idea of the observed city/hiway mpg they have obtained with a 4.7L, 2wd, auto?
The rear differential is completely independent of the transmission (at least in how it operates). What the differential does is translate the speed of the engine into the speed of the drive wheels. The ratio is the factor by which this step down occurs - 3.55 means that the driveshaft rotates 3.55 times for every one rotation of the drive axle, and hence the drive wheels. 3.92 obviously means that the driveshaft rotates 3.92 times for every one axle rotation.
What does this mean, well, the higher the ratio (ironically that means the lower the number 3.55 is higher than 3.92) the better the fuel economy - it takes less revolutions of the driveshaft to turn the wheels through the same number of rotations. Obviously if the driveshaft is rotating less then so is the engine. The transmission obviously factors into this, but lets just assume all other things are equal.
By contrast the lower the ratio (higher number) the more power and torque that is available at useful speeds - on the Dakota both peak over 4000 rpm, so the nearer this number that your engine is running the more power and torque that is available. Where this is noticeable is a quicker pick up, particularly off the line, and an increased towing ability.
You are correct in your rating of 3.55 versus 3.92. In the 4X4, those are the only choices. If you tow on a more or less regular basis, especially in an area where the terrain is hilly, then the 3.92 is a good choice. Other than that, the 3.55 is fine for average driving. The engine (4.7) has sufficient torque to move the vehicle in fifth gear under most conditions. There used to be a 3.21 available for 2 WD versions, but I don't think that is current. You should be aware that there is a $500.00 discount available from the Farm Bureau for members. One must be a member for 30 days prior to taking possession. All Dodge trucks except for the 4 bangers. Access them by clicking on this URL. www.fb.com. Good luck.
Approx. 2/24, I bought a beautiful fully loaded Garnet Red 4X4 (full time) 4.7L, auto., SLT++. Lucked out and showed up at the dealers as it was being unloaded from the tranport truck (drove it home a few hours later). Garnet Red is VERY nice when clean, but has the "dark" color difficulties in keeping it clean. A very insignificant problem if you love the color and the truck (I get to spend more time with my QUAD gently cleaning it... HA!!)
You're one of the few who have full time 4 wheel drive. I have it ordered and would like your feedback. Is it worth it, are there any traction or steering control issues you've experienced - really any first hand knowledge you can relay would be very helpful.
I still have time to change my order - no build date yet. When I die - no purgatory for me - I'm doing my penance waiting for this truck!!!!
I just burned my 3rd tank of gas.The gas mileage is,,well lets say I'm a little suprised.14.5 mpg,but thats all city driving( nothing much over 50 mph)a little down from my first 2 tanks. To answer your question It's a auto 4.7L 4x4 3.55,and I don't tow anything. I hope this helps. P.S. It might be all that tire spinning I've been doing that has hurt my mileage....Can't help myself!! Allen
I recieved a recall notice in the mail yesterday for my new 2000 Dakota (4x4, 4.7L, auto, 3.55). I didn't have much time to look at the specifics but it was regarding an issue with Federal Emission Standards and the catalytic converter. Just thought I'd let you all know incase you did not get your bulletin.
Can't say that I saw anyone else admit that they got the full-time 4WD system. A few partials and many more 2WD's. Although its too late for me I'd like to hear more about your experiences and mileage. Several postings ago, either here or there, I received several links to info on differentials in general and limited-slip-differentials. Read up on them and now would like to hear your real world experiences.
Talked to Ernie today and my Quad is to be built starting on Saturday, 3-25 and get finished on Monday, 3-27. On Sunday, 3-26 I'll pray for everything to go well. Ordered SLT, 4.7L, 4WD, LSD, 4W ABS, 5 sp, 3.55 on 2-16.
BTW - I ordered the Light Driftwood to hide the scratches. Have had a white Caravan for 8 years and I'm tired of that color.
Plan to cover the rails w/ aluminum diamond plate (periodically haul motorcycles), add a PENDA liner, and cover the box w/ a TekStyle tonneau. Since I dropped the factory fog lights, I've been looking at PIAA, PILOT, and CATZ products for daytime running lights, driving lights, and true yellow fog lights. A roof rack for canoes is still an unresolved issue.
One last question. In another Dakota forum within Edmund, people were talking about new exhausts, etc. to boost horsepower. With all of the "wheel-spinning" already admitted to by new Dakota owners, I'm wondering if "more horsepower" improvements translate into better gas mileage if you can restrain yourself?
Well, I was really excited about the full time 4wd and have not been let down (caught the fever with our Subaru). I must admit that I have yet to really test it out either on slick or uphill situations, but on dry/wet pavement it handles very well. I will say that all 4 wheels do kick in when needed. I was using my truck to pull a tree out of the ground and all 4 wheels spun (on concrete!). I wouldn't recommend this at home, but the truck seemed to handle it very well and we eventually beat the tree. I'm heading back home (Colorado) this summer and will probably do a little 4 wheeling and mud slinging... we'll test it out better then. Gas mileage may be hurt a little since I have averaged 13.8 to 14.2 mpg on the 1st 3 tanks of gas, all city driving. I can't say that I will miss the extra .5 to 1.5 mpg most are getting in the city. If mileage were a big issue, I would be driving a Toyota Tercel or some other gutless little thing. I like it, that's my opinion and I'm sticking with it. Good luck!
Found someone in the Durango topic #1887 that also has FT4WD and LSD. I asked him for his feedback - we'll see what he says too.
On restrictions - talked to DC Customer Service today. Found someone other than Ernie who's knowledgeable and helpful. Wish I got her name. Anyway, she said restrictions on the 4.7/4x4 Quads may be coming off tomorrow. Got on the phone right away and told the dealer to get on the District Manager's butt. If they're scheduling this weekend, I want to be on the list. The customer service rep told me to call Monday afternoon; the computers should be updated by then. Don't call Monday AM, it's old info.
I think DC is putting the Quads on restriction so their automated manufacturing scheduling programs don't pick the Quads up when DC wants to build something else. Think about it - the code when we're on restriction say 'Not available for schedule'. Could be nothing more than production priorities.
When I was pulling the tree out, I was in the normal position (full time 4wd). As for cornering (or any other street conditions) I haven't had any "kickback" or feed back. It rides as well as any vehicle I've rode in without the FT 4WD. If you want kickback, try out a set of detroit lockers (I used to have them on a 78 3/4 ton Chevy 4X4). That will get your attention (and anyone else within 50 yards of you) when cornering. Progress is a beautiful thing.
After a long and difficult battle my Dak is on a railcar. I got a tracking number from the friendly folks ad DC. Does anybody know how to check the status of a railcar? Thanks for your help.
(pomyc) Since this topic a SUPPOSED to be about the 4.7L OHC engine... lets learn some more here.
Do you have the "standard" or the "BORDER STATES" emmissions package? There is a HUGE difference on the design of the catalytic converter system for these two 'options'.
The 'normal' system has ONE catalyst and ONE 'sniffer'. (Pretty standard setup)
The "border states" setup (Calif, Vermont..etc others?) has 3 catalysts and numerous 'sniffers' that constantly monitor the operation of said catalysts. (It is said that if just one sparkplug misfires ONCE, it will be detected ond logged into the EEPROM / FLASH memory!! )
I have been lurking around the Dakota topics for about 6 weeks(thats about 6 days longer than I owned my truck). I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to post their experiences. Bootkitty I feel for you. I bought my truck off the lot and could hardly wait the four days that it took my C.U. to process the paper work.
I lucked out because I was in the market for a good late model 3.9, and everyone wanted more than I was willing to pay for a truck with a limited warranty remaining. So I decided to shop around for a new one. I went to the dealer to test drive the 3.9, but noticed that the sticker on the 4.7 actually claims to get 1 more MPG on the highway than the 3.9. After one test drive I came home and immediately signed on to the Edmunds web site to figure out how much I should pay for this new toy.
I then signed onto the townhall and was amazed at how much good consumer information was here. After spending the better part of one evening reading all dakota related articles in the townhall, I went back to the dealer and worked out a deal - The rest is history.
I now have a 2000 CC with the 4.7, 3.55 and all of the toys except for the infinity sound system. I am still of the opinion that if you want to spend 500+ dollars extra on the sound system, you can do better in the after market.
The gas milage has been the only drawback. I'm getting 13-14 mpg. Most of my driving is around town, back and forth to work. I agree with everyone else, the gas milage would probably be a lot better if I could only keep my foot out of the carb .
I have the 4.7L and the Infinity sound system. Everytime I turn on the stereo or put in good CD, my gas mileage goes way down. Seems I tend to put more pedal to the metal when I am listening to tunes. Anybody else got this problem?
Congrats.... Great choice thats they way to do it.If you love yours half as mush as I love mine ,your a happy Quad owner..Way to do your home work. Allen
(knkresort) I remember my Drivers-ed teacher cautiuoning against 'keeping the beat' with the gas-pedal foot.
This was in the late 1970s when virtually ALL high-school students had cars with big V8 engines. (1973 Chevy Impala for me!) The musclecars would actually leave RUBBER to the beat of the music.
4-cylinder engines just 'ignore' any pushing on the gas pedal to the beat of the music.
Apparently you 'problem' is well a understood phenomena ;-)
I don't have a problem with the stereo, my problem is that I love to hear that 4.7 roar. Sometimes I just turn the music off so I can enjoy the sound of the engine...
I would have the standard emissions package as I live in Colorado (4.7L/auto/4x4/3.55). The notice stated that some 2000 Dakotas may have an incorrectly programmed OBD system which fails to recognize a catalyst failure. The failure would normally be indicated by the check engine. The fix for the problem is to take the vehicle to a dealership for a reprogramming of the OBD. According to the bulletin, failure by the owner to address the problem could void the emissions warranty and mean the vehicle may not pass an emission test in the respective state. Hope that helps.
(pomyc) Thanks for the info... here in Vermont we have to buy the "Border States" emmissions package with the triple catalysts. The bright side is that there is NO emmissions testing by the state.... Basiclly check operation of the lights, horn, brakes...etc (and rust holes are plugged enough to keep out the exhaust.)
That is one reasons I got the V8... It just sounds cool.
My Volkswagon front-wheel-drive pickup had enough power to haul my snowmobile anywhere I wanted to go with it. (And loading it was a one-man job due to low tailgate-height) All of my VWs engines have outlasted the body... but never sounded like my OHV semi-hemi V8!!
it is unwieldy to manage, and difficult to use for "newbies". There is entirely TOO much topic duplication, so I will be doing some SERIOUS topic consolidation in the next few weeks, getting us down to not more than 2-3 topics per vehicle type, and ultimately down to 200 topics or less.
THIS weeks consolidation candidates are: F-150's, Silverado's, Dakota's, and Dakota Crew/Quad cabs.
In that vein, please consolidate this Dakota topic to Dodge Dakota - III and continue these discussions there.
Thanks!
Front Porch Philosopher SUV, Pickups, & Aftermarket and Accessories Host
Comments
First some history...
In the past, to engage 4WD, the driver had to do TWO things.
1) Select the "4WD lock" on the xfer case selector
2) Get out of the vehicle and twist the center of each front wheel to engage the axle-wheel connection. (It is hard to imagine that one had to get out and stand in muck up to their ankles to engage the 4WD but that is EXACTLY how it worked)
Step2 has been improved over the past several years. Now when step1 is done, an electric signal is sent to the front axles to engage them.
To specifically answer your question. The front wheels are not LOCKED together. There is an open differential (non-LSD) in the front just like in the rear. In other words, the only 'locking' that is taking place is the connection of the wheels to the axle... the differential is NOT locked in any way.
Bookitty
I also have the 4WD, LSD, 3.55, HD Service Group, T&Handling, and 4W ABS.
Heard that bookitty is on "high priority". I think you're doing the right thing. Its America, you get what you want not what they give you.
Bookitty
I also think we should put all our Quad chat
on one topic. How about "2000 Quad Cab Chat"
Johnboy9
Ed
edermar - Deep Garnet Red was one of the new colors for 2000. Originally all of the new colors were on restriction until the official launch date (October 1st), but they soon got pushed further back - take Amber Fire Pearl as an example. As far as I know the Deep Garnet Red hasn't been cancelled as a 2000 option, but I don't know when (or if)it came off restriction.
Bookitty
Quad driving will be on mostly steep hilly highway [I-75] between Las Vegas and Cedar City ,Utah.I don`t pull a trailer,therefore I
would prefer the 3:55`s for better mileage and less RPM`S.
Bookity I`m sorry about your truck,but I think you did the right thing by refusing it.I think
you will be more than happy with it when you get it.It is a pure pleasure to drive and the sound of the exhust is racey sounding.
My buying experience was the best I ever had.I
communicated by email with the dealer in Clarkston
Michigan and made the deal,[Town & Country Dodge]
The truck was clean,gased up and the paperwork was ready.The following day I drove it back to
Nevada.Sweet deal!
Thanks guys. JOhnboy9
Michigan {Town & Country Dodge]
Quad driving will be on mostly steep hilly highway [I-75] between Las Vegas and Cedar City ,Utah.I don`t pull a trailer,therefore I
would prefer the 3:55`s for better mileage and less RPM`S.
Bookitty I`m sorry about your truck,but I think you did the right thing by refusing it.I think
you will be happier with it when you get it.It is a pure pleasure to drive and the sound of the exhaust is racey sounding.
My buying experience was the best I ever had.I
communicated by email with the dealer in Clarkston
Michigan and made the deal,[Town & Country Dodge]
The truck was clean,gased up and the paperwork was ready.The following day I drove it back to
Nevada.Sweet deal!
Thanks guys. JOhnboy9
Wife has a '98 Stratus, Deep Garnet Red and I'm thinking about having the car professionally buffered.
I have seen pictures of 2 garnets in a web site for a dealer in Oklahoma that offers QCs at invoice plus $49.50 (www.autoinvoice.com). All I have seen in my area are red, which is fine with me. BTW, anyone had any good luck purchasing from a site like this or auto-at-cost.com?
Did anyone ever provide the name of the 3d party warranty service where the guyu got a 6/100k ext warranty for $825 (and, if so, what was the deductible?
Does anyone have any idea of the observed city/hiway mpg they have obtained with a 4.7L, 2wd, auto?
The rear differential is completely independent of the transmission (at least in how it operates). What the differential does is translate the speed of the engine into the speed of the drive wheels. The ratio is the factor by which this step down occurs - 3.55 means that the driveshaft rotates 3.55 times for every one rotation of the drive axle, and hence the drive wheels. 3.92 obviously means that the driveshaft rotates 3.92 times for every one axle rotation.
What does this mean, well, the higher the ratio (ironically that means the lower the number 3.55 is higher than 3.92) the better the fuel economy - it takes less revolutions of the driveshaft to turn the wheels through the same number of rotations. Obviously if the driveshaft is rotating less then so is the engine. The transmission obviously factors into this, but lets just assume all other things are equal.
By contrast the lower the ratio (higher number) the more power and torque that is available at useful speeds - on the Dakota both peak over 4000 rpm, so the nearer this number that your engine is running the more power and torque that is available. Where this is noticeable is a quicker pick up, particularly off the line, and an increased towing ability.
Hope that helps,
Andy
Bookitty
I still have time to change my order - no build date yet. When I die - no purgatory for me - I'm doing my penance waiting for this truck!!!!
To answer your question It's a auto 4.7L 4x4 3.55,and I don't tow anything. I hope this helps.
P.S. It might be all that tire spinning I've been doing that has hurt my mileage....Can't help myself!!
Allen
Talked to Ernie today and my Quad is to be built starting on Saturday, 3-25 and get finished on Monday, 3-27. On Sunday, 3-26 I'll pray for everything to go well. Ordered SLT, 4.7L, 4WD, LSD, 4W ABS, 5 sp, 3.55 on 2-16.
BTW - I ordered the Light Driftwood to hide the scratches. Have had a white Caravan for 8 years and I'm tired of that color.
Plan to cover the rails w/ aluminum diamond plate (periodically haul motorcycles), add a PENDA liner, and cover the box w/ a TekStyle tonneau. Since I dropped the factory fog lights, I've been looking at PIAA, PILOT, and CATZ products for daytime running lights, driving lights, and true yellow fog lights. A roof rack for canoes is still an unresolved issue.
One last question. In another Dakota forum within Edmund, people were talking about new exhausts, etc. to boost horsepower. With all of the "wheel-spinning" already admitted to by new Dakota owners, I'm wondering if "more horsepower" improvements translate into better gas mileage if you can restrain yourself?
I have been getin 16-17 mpg on the road (have 1700 miles on truck). I notice a big difference if I use midgrade (19mpg). Also put the K&N filter in.
Jim Buckingham
00 4.7 QC 4x2 3.55
Also, when you are turning the corner, do you feel any feedback from the front tires ie. shaking?
Thanks
thanks,
robert
On restrictions - talked to DC Customer Service today. Found someone other than Ernie who's knowledgeable and helpful. Wish I got her name. Anyway, she said restrictions on the 4.7/4x4 Quads may be coming off tomorrow. Got on the phone right away and told the dealer to get on the District Manager's butt. If they're scheduling this weekend, I want to be on the list. The customer service rep told me to call Monday afternoon; the computers should be updated by then. Don't call Monday AM, it's old info.
I think DC is putting the Quads on restriction so their automated manufacturing scheduling programs don't pick the Quads up when DC wants to build something else. Think about it - the code when we're on restriction say 'Not available for schedule'. Could be nothing more than production priorities.
After a long and difficult battle my Dak is on a railcar. I got a tracking number from the friendly folks ad DC. Does anybody know how to check the status of a railcar? Thanks for your help.
Wolf
Do you have the "standard" or the "BORDER STATES" emmissions package? There is a HUGE difference on the design of the catalytic converter system for these two 'options'.
The 'normal' system has ONE catalyst and ONE 'sniffer'. (Pretty standard setup)
The "border states" setup (Calif, Vermont..etc others?) has 3 catalysts and numerous 'sniffers' that constantly monitor the operation of said catalysts. (It is said that if just one sparkplug misfires ONCE, it will be detected ond logged into the EEPROM / FLASH memory!! )
I lucked out because I was in the market for a good late model 3.9, and everyone wanted more than I was willing to pay for a truck with a limited warranty remaining. So I decided to shop around for a new one. I went to the dealer to test drive the 3.9, but noticed that the sticker on the 4.7 actually claims to get 1 more MPG on the highway than the 3.9. After one test drive I came home and immediately signed on to the Edmunds web site to figure out how much I should pay for this new toy.
I then signed onto the townhall and was amazed at how much good consumer information was here. After spending the better part of one evening reading all dakota related articles in the townhall, I went back to the dealer and worked out a deal - The rest is history.
I now have a 2000 CC with the 4.7, 3.55 and all of the toys except for the infinity sound system. I am still of the opinion that if you want to spend 500+ dollars extra on the sound system, you can do better in the after market.
The gas milage has been the only drawback. I'm getting 13-14 mpg. Most of my driving is around town, back and forth to work. I agree with everyone else, the gas milage would probably be a lot better if I could only keep my foot out of the carb
Keep up the good work guys...
KnK
Allen
This was in the late 1970s when virtually ALL high-school students had cars with big V8 engines.
(1973 Chevy Impala for me!) The musclecars would actually leave RUBBER to the beat of the music.
4-cylinder engines just 'ignore' any pushing on the gas pedal to the beat of the music.
Apparently you 'problem' is well a understood phenomena ;-)
KnK
My Volkswagon front-wheel-drive pickup had enough power to haul my snowmobile anywhere I wanted to go with it. (And loading it was a one-man job due to low tailgate-height) All of my VWs engines have outlasted the body... but never sounded like my OHV semi-hemi V8!!
it is unwieldy to manage, and difficult to use for "newbies". There is entirely TOO much topic duplication, so I will be doing some SERIOUS topic consolidation in the next few weeks, getting us down to not more than 2-3 topics per vehicle type, and ultimately down to 200 topics or less.
THIS weeks consolidation candidates are: F-150's, Silverado's, Dakota's, and Dakota Crew/Quad cabs.
In that vein, please consolidate this Dakota topic to Dodge Dakota - III and continue these discussions there.
Thanks!
Front Porch Philosopher
SUV, Pickups, & Aftermarket and Accessories Host