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Dodge Dakota - Regular Cab
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Comments
I did give up interior storage with the RC, but I added a Roll-n-Lock and a bed extender. Now, I've got plenty of accessible, covered storage. My Dakota is faster than my previous Chevy and has a tighter turning radius that the Mazda. The best of both in one package. For some, the RC might be a bit of a compromise. For me, it is the perfect fit. And, like Mailman, I don't have kids. I don't need it as a people hauler. Good luck with yours. Dakotas are great trucks...
The only timing chain I had to change was on a '63 ford falcon 6 cyl. with about 150k miles.
An erratic idle was the only symptom experienced.
can somebody tell me which speakers would be a direct replacement for front and rear? i bought some 6.5" Pioneer speakers, and they wouldnt fit without some severe modification/fabrication....
Thanks!
http://crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-mn8JI1nrqBH/auto.asp?
If you are interested in the Pioneer, check out Ebay (do a search on 'PIONEER TS-A1765'). They can be had for about $60-65 and have the adapter!).
I have not measured with a ruler, but my 4x4 truck looks fine.
Bookitty
I thrive on it!
scottie
I have a '99 Dakota regular cab, 4X2. When I was looking around at different trucks I had to look at all different kinds. I'm 6'3" and the Dakota was the only compact pickup I could fit in unless it had the extended cab. Even in the Ford Ranger extended cab my head still hit the roof. I fit in the Dakota regular cab without a problem (as long as the seat is all the way back) I like the full size trucks, but I really have no need for something that big, or with a V8. I thought I would probably end up going with a GMC Sierra, which I really did like, but it was just too big for what I need, then I found the Dakota at a used car place.
I live in Rhode Island and eariler in the winter I had a small problem with the 4X2. I was on an overpass that goes slightly uphill, it was snowing and the roads hadn't been plowed yet, it had snowed about an inch, and I had to stop at a red light and the rear wheels were stopped right on one of the overpass joints, when I went to go at the green light the wheels spun, I tried everything, I went into first, second, I backed up and tried to power out, but I got stuck where I'd backed up to and then got yelled at by some stupid cop... it didn't help that I had another lane of traffic going in the same direction, I think I'd still be there unless some guy hadn't stopped traffic, I put it in first and floored it, it fishtailed for about 30 seconds and finally broke free. I'd had the truck about 2 weeks then, now I've got sandbags (320 lbs) in the bed for the winter, and haven't had a problem since. It just seemed odd that it would get stuck in such a small amount of snow... anyone else ever have a similar problem?
I use to have a 83 ford ranger with 2wd. It had an open rear end, so it actually had one drive wheel. I would gringe at the smallest sign of snow. Too many white knucke experiences in the snow with that truck.
To improve your truck a bit, a "sure grip" or "limited slip" axle could be added if it is not already equipped.
My truck has the sure grip axle from the factory and it sure is nice in the snow. This past winter I really did not "need" to use the 4wd, but it sure helped in some spots.
Mailman
Engine: Runs great, smooth and plenty of power.
Xtrans: Shifts great, computer has finally learned my driving style (wide open all the time).
Handling: Good, will be even better when I get a decent anti-sway bar on the rear end.
Fit/Finish: Good overall, only minor complaints (i.e., no glove box lock, cramped cab).
Brakes: No problems so far.
Mileage: Average 17 mpg overall.
Common Complaints:
Brown Sludge? - Yes, haven't got around to ordering the parts to hide sludge yet.
Offset Rear End? - No, don't have offset even though I have tire and handling group.
Popping Sound? - Haven't heard it yet, but haven't been wearing my hearing aid lately.
Whining rear end? - No, must be a 4wd thing.
Transmission Problems? - None, always in the power band and shifts smoothly.
Fluid Leaks? - Haven't found any yet.
Atta Boys:
Looks good, runs great and gets reasonable mileage for a hard charging V8!
Mailman
Mailman
How's everyone else's RCs doing? Mailman, you out there?
Tim
Keith
Tim
I do have to say that this Dakota, (my 3rd), is by far the best I've owned to date. I enjoy driving this vehicle as much today as the day I brought it home on 3/9/2000.
Mailman
You ought to consider a backpacking trip to Colorado. I recommend early September. The kids are back in school and the weather is great. Thanks for posting...
Tim
KarenS "Dodge Dakota Owners: Events" Sep 24, 2001 8:16am
Later,
Mailman
Tim
I'll have 30K on my RC by the time I get back from Thanksgiving. This the most miles I've put on any vehicle I've ever owned in 30 years of driving. Mileage is 19.5 plus or minus and no problems to report other than the brakes. I put on new Power slots rotors with Hawk pads, man what a difference. The feel is just so much more solid and sure. Not cheap, but quality never is.
I also added a 70mm Flometrics throttle body with the 4" Z-tube air cleaner. Initially mileage went up to 21+ with my foot in it all the time, but has settled down to 19.5, still about 1.5 better than before. Low end torque is much improved with increased power through out the RPM range.
Happy Thanksgiving to all,
Keith
Kwanderi: Keith, that's pretty good mileage! Don't know what I'm getting and don't care. Just love to put my foot in this thing and go! Coming up on 13.5k on 4.7 auto. Awesome engine.
Happy Thanksgiving to fellow RC'ers.
19.39MPG!!
(I averaged over 65MPH for hours at a time)
Mailman
Tim
Mailman
Pushing 35K miles, replaces rotors and pads at about 26K with Power Slots and Hawk pads. Other than that, not a single problem to date. Mileage is still 18.5 to 19.5 with mostly hiway miles. I keep it about 65 mph or mileage goes down to 16-17 easy, limit is 75 here.
I put on a Helwig(sp?) last weekend and I'm really suprised at the improvement it made in the handling. So much more steady and sure footed. In case you didn't know, Dodge does not include a rear swaybar on a regular cab.
Keith
Mailman
The kit comes with U bolts to fasten the bar to the rearend, but I didn't use those. I had to open up the holes on the Hellwig piece that then mounts directly on the factory mounting pads. The factory bolt holes are 3" appart and the Hellwig holes are maybe 3.5". I just took a saws-all and cut the holes a bit bigger and it mounted right up.
You will need to get 4 studs to bolt the unit to factory pads on the upper rear of the rear end. I don't recall the size other than 1.5" long.
Very easy job for anyone with only a single thumb per hand.
Keith
Mailman
Mailman
Bookitty
At this point, I'm not going to have the time for a big backpacking trip this summer. What part of the world are you going to explore?
Tim
Mailman