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dweishaar
GenIII
 
8/06/2003
13:21:14
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 Subject: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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Last Year for this generation of Dakota, and now they finally put the 3.7L "MAGNUM" V-6 in it.
2004 DODGE DAKOTA ADDS NEW 210 HORSEPOWER V-6 TO ROUND OUT MOST POWERFUL ENGINE LINEUP IN COMPACT PICKUP SEGMENT
• Best-In-Class Towing, Payload and Power
• New Magnum 3.7-liter V-6 Engine Now Available
In the compact pickup segment, the 2004 Dodge Dakota offers best-in-class power and capability and provides seating for six, making it the most versatile and powerful compact pickup available. Dakota rises above the competition with bold Dodge styling, class-leading capability, and the unique versatility of the four-door Quad Cab™ model.
For 2004, Dodge Dakota offers style with a “Stampede” package on Regular Cab and Club Cab® Sport models. The Stampede model features unique monochromatic custom front and rear body-color fascia moldings, ground-effect side body moldings, 16" x 8" aluminum wheels, wheel flares and a rear stabilizer bar.
The 2004 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab has as standard 16" x 7" aluminum wheels and the five-speed 5-45RFE electronically controlled transmission on the Magnum 4.7-liter engine. This state-of-the-art transmission uses a unique dual-ratio second gear to aid in towing, passing and grade-change situations, and provides a fifth gear for improved fuel efficiency and highway refinement.
“The Dodge Dakota offers unsurpassed versatility in the compact pickup segment,” said Darryl Jackson, Vice President — Dodge Marketing, DaimlerChrysler Corporation. “Dakota sets the standard with the only V-8 powertrain available in the segment, a choice of Regular Cab, Club Cab and Quad Cab — with four real doors. As the most versatile compact pickup, Dakota lets buyers choose a model for their every need.”
DAKOTA: THE ONLY COMPACT PICKUP THAT TACKLES THE BIG JOBS
Like its big brother, the Dodge Ram, Dakota Quad Cab offers four full-size doors, but in a compact pickup. Dakota Quad Cab revolutionized the segment when it debuted for 2000 and with its four full-size doors, optional six-passenger seating capacity and best-in-class towing and hauling capability, Dakota Quad Cab remains the most versatile compact pickup in the class. For 2004, bucket seats are standard on Quad Cab.
Dakota Quad Cab’s interior is the largest among four-door compact pickups, with the most front and rear shoulder and hip room as well. While designed to seat up to three rear passengers comfortably, convenient 60/40 split rear seats can fold up together to accommodate large objects, or individually to accommodate a combination of people and cargo. A pull-out cupholder is packaged under the seat, while map pockets on the back of the front passenger seat and a package shelf provide extra storage. Rear doors open a full 90-degrees, and have windows that lower all the way down, making the rear area comfortable for passengers on long rides while also providing the capability to carry large packages.
All this is accomplished without sacrificing outside cargo capacity or towing. The five-foot, three-inch bed is the largest among four-door compact pickups and can handle up to 1,800 pounds of payload. Quad Cab can tow a class-leading 6,100 pounds, making it one of the strongest pickups in the segment.
Two additional models — Regular Cab and Club Cab — are the largest in the compact class, adding to Dakota’s versatility quotient. Both boast the roomiest and most comfortable front seating areas in the class. In fact, the Dakota Club Cab is the only Club Cab model in the compact segment to offer a full-size, forward-facing rear bench seat.
The value-priced Dakota SXT model continues to offer a unique look and standard features that are uncommon at its price. With its deep gray bumpers, upper and lower fascia, body-color fender flares and sporty 16-inch aluminum wheels, Dakota SXT makes a bold styling statement. And with standard air conditioning and bucket seats, it’s as enjoyable to drive as it is to look at. With a price of just over $17,000 including destination, Dakota SXT surpasses all other compacts in the value-for-content department.
“Whether customers need a primary people hauler, cargo hauler or any combination in between, Dodge Dakota meets the needs of compact pickup drivers at the best value in the market,” Jackson added.
FULL-SIZE PICKUP POWER, TOWING, AND PAYLOAD IN A COMPACT TRUCK
Since the first Dodge Dakota rolled off the assembly line in 1986, it’s been the segment leader in power and capability. Now with a new 210-horsepower (157 kW) 3.7-liter Magnum® V-6, Dakota offers the most powerful engine lineup in the segment and delivers the best towing and hauling numbers in the class.
Dakota offers powerful Magnum engines designed to meet the varying needs of the compact pickup buyer. The 230-horsepower (172 kW), 295 lb.-ft. torque (400 N•m) 4.7-liter Magnum V-8 engine is easily the most powerful in its class, rivaling the performance capability of some full-size pickups. The 5.9-liter Magnum V-8 is discontinued.
Dakota’s powerful engines support the segment’s best truck for towing and hauling. Dakota’s 6,600-pound maximum towing capacity and 2,190-pound maximum payload capability far exceed its compact competitors.
“With Dakota, we deliver a truck that can do it all, and that begins with great engine choices,” said Frank Klegon, Vice President, Dodge Truck Platform. “Whether it’s hauling on the job, towing on the weekend, or delivering the family to dinner, there is an engine, transmission and body configuration to meet the need.”
Dakota is available in both two- and four-wheel drive models, and features rack and pinion steering. Standard brakes are a front-disc, rear-drum configuration. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on four-wheel drive models and two-wheel drive models come with a GVWR of 5,350 pounds or more. An anti-lock braking system is standard in the rear, with four-wheel ABS available as an option.
Molten Red is new to Dakota’s color palette for the 2004 model year. The Dakota R/T model is discontinued for 2004.
All Dakota models are built at DaimlerChrysler’s “Dodge City” Warren Truck Assembly Plant, in Warren, Michigan.
2004 DAKOTA FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
POWERTRAIN
• 3.7-liter engine replaces 3.9-liter engine
• New 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission available
BODY
• Front bucket seats become standard on Quad Cab
• Deep Molten Red Metallic Pearl Coat replaces Garnet Red
• Stampede Package continues on Sport Regular and Club Cab 4x2 models
The Baja Dak
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CThomp
*GenIII*
8/06/2003
13:28:04
|  RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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still no diesel in the dak. Hopefully by the time I wear out my dak they will.
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Frank
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/06/2003
13:40:21
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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Hopefully the 3.7's won't be junk like the 3.9's. Also, lets hope that Dodge's claims aren't false promises just like the boat anchor 3.9.
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JasonB
Dodge Dakota
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8/06/2003
14:22:22
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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Diesel in the Dak? 3.9 is junk?
You guys kill me on this site.
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TexasTodd
Dodge Dakota
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8/06/2003
15:58:14
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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16 x 7 wheels?
My QC '01, has the 16x8's.
Long live the 4.7!
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IntenseDak39
*GenIII*
8/06/2003
16:40:21
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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what are these false promises?
did the dealer promise you that your 3.9 would be an RT?
1998 Regular Cab V6 Auto
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chris
Dodge Dakota
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8/06/2003
16:53:15
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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doing away with the r/t? Damn
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STS
Dodge Dakota
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8/06/2003
17:18:12
|  Midsized not compact
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I don't understand why does Dodge not call it a midsize truck. The Ranger is midsized and not really the size of the Dakota.
Also, I think the last great dodge V6 was built in 96. A year before the B-body Dakota. It had better power and fuel economy because of less restricktions for the modle year.
Also, whats with the hoopla about the smaller 3.7?? Sure it's got more H.P but with the same amount of tourqe.
If dodge is going to kick out the 360, then at least replace it with the 348 Hemi.
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EBL
Dodge Dakota
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8/06/2003
18:25:47
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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"Also, whats with the hoopla about the smaller 3.7?? Sure it's got more H.P but with the same amount of tourqe."
Well, it is supposed to be more fuel efficient. If the torque band is as flat or flatter, has the same peak, and does it's work faster (more hp) I would say it is a better engine.
I just hope it will wear as slow as the 318 and 360 have proven themselves to do.
I bet the new transmission will be a pricey rebuild with that 2nd gear... I hope it is bulletproof.
There is a dak out there with a Cummins Diesel planted between the fenders. Supposedly it gets something like 30mpg. Some Bonneville racer uses it to tow with and a magazine did a shoot on it.
I think a diesel would be a great idea. It would certainly raise C.A.F.E. figures for Ma-MOPAR.
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sadtosee
Dodge Dakota
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8/07/2003
00:58:19
|  RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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If the new engines are like the rest of the market they wont last. Todays cars are built to last through their lease. Like someone else said on this, the new hemi is made to go only 150,000 miles. Back in the hayday of detroit everything had power, was affordable, and lasted. These days everything that has power doesnt last and is to expensive to buy. The 318, and 360 were the last of the old engines that were built to last. Cause they were designed 30 years ago. And they lasted this long. Sorry for taking up so much space but i just had to put my 2 cents out there. I know theres gonna be some other kid out there saying that his turboed out car is as good as any other. And it might be for now. Anyway thanks for reading.
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pete
Dodge Dakota
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8/07/2003
01:27:24
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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yooo hoo!!!
maybe my r/t will become more saught after in the used vehicle market... kinda like the fox body mustangs after the 302 was dropped off the lineup. maybe i can finally get rid of this heap
pete
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frostbitte
Dodge Dakota
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8/07/2003
02:02:11
|  RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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It's about time! I still think the 3.7 should only be available in a REG cab 4x2. It's still too wimpy for a large truck. The 4.7 is great but they should've included a HO version or something to offset the 5.9.
My 2 cents.
Frostbitte.
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pete
Dodge Dakota
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8/07/2003
02:04:58
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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id rather see them keep the 360. just for the aftermarket options.
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ZZ
Dodge Dakota
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8/07/2003
06:57:32
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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The 3.7 has less peak torque than the 3.9.
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Scott
Dodge Dakota
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8/07/2003
08:14:09
|  RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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3.9 JUNK ?????? 135,000 miles on mine---------runs like a M.F. Motor has never been apart, has not had anything except tune up & oil changes. What do you run?
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CThomp
*GenIII*
8/07/2003
08:22:11
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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Yes I said diesel in the dak. Did you read the latest trucktrend JasonB? Diesel is coming whether you like it or not. I like it. Have you seen the towing capacity on some of these diesel SUV's in Europe? Some are in the 7000lb range. This is including the little 2.7 turbo I-4 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Europe. And it gets 26mpg. Put a small 3.6-4.0 I-6 diesel turbo in the dak and watch out. That thing will be able to pull probably 8000lbs+ and still get probably 24mpg. Then the good people over at banks will come up with a few upgrades and you'll have a smokin fast diesel dak.
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2THEXTRM
GenIII
8/07/2003
08:46:37
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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I would not be suprised to see the R/T return with the new body design and the HEMI and probably discontinued it(and the 5.9) for the last model year of the Gen III to create anticipation as well as not have hundreds of R/T's sitting on dealer lot's due to folks holding off until the new design comes out. It is more likely for that to happen with speciality vehicles than the "standard" models for any car/truck that is expecting a redesign the following year.
I have driven a Liberty with the new 3.7L and it has the power/torque I expected a 6 cylinder should have with better fuel mileage to boot. I have owned two 3.9L Dakota's and I can say good-riddens tried-true and bulletproof 3.9L, hopefully the 3.7L will be just as reliable is all:)
I am not particularly fond of the where the new Dakota/Durango bodies are heading but will get used to them like I have every other major body change Dodge has done through the years. At least the new bodies will contain great new engines(4.7L biased).
Flowmaster cat back, Volant Intake, Poweraid TB Spacer, Splitfire Plugs, full synthetic fluids
4 inch Rancho/3 inch body Lift, 315 70-17 on AE 219's, Rancho 9000x's
Grizzly double/single rollbar with (6)Hella's, Manik Nerfs/Tailight Guards, Line-X, Hard Work & $$$$$$$$$$
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JasonB
Dodge Dakota
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8/07/2003
09:08:59
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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Reguardless of what "trucktrends" says, I'll have to see it happen to believe it. Diesel engines in light truck applications in the US will (in my opinion), not ever make it much past the agricultural and commercial uses. I love trucks and what a diesel engine can accomplish, but I will never purchase a pick up with a diesel in it, unless I have a "job" for the truck to do. Diesel is not cool.
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CThomp
*GenIII*
8/07/2003
09:24:55
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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To each his own I guess. I grew up around diesels. My parents had two diesel mercedes and a diesel isuzu. The new common rail diesels are alot quiter and ride nicer. A friend has one of the TDI Jetta's. She can go from Ft. Myers, FL. up well into Georgia on a tank of gas in that thing. It's not loud, produces no soot, and rides like a gas motor. It could probably use 15-20 more h.p. in my opinion but thats another story.
In my case diesel would be nice. I drive the occasional long distance so the mileage would be nice and I haul heavy loads so the torque would be even better.
And I have to disagree with you JasonB...diesel is cool.
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JasonB
Dodge Dakota
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8/07/2003
11:16:21
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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CThomp...I was raised around diesels also. I live in the heart of diesel engine country (for agriculture purposes anyway). I work in the service dept of a Dodge dealership in which we service many Cummins diesels, and I love that engine. I still think it's one of the longest lasting workhorse engines ever built for pickup truck applications.
But I still don't see Dodge being able to market a diesel engine in a Dakota to the casual driver/owner. The perception of being able to haul or tow more is flawed a bit. Towing and hauling capacities of the Dakota truck would not increase much without some serious suspension and brake system modifications.
It is a great idea, don't get me wrong. Don't forget though, the Beta video system was a much beter system than VHS, who the hell ever bought a beta?
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CThomp
*GenIII*
8/07/2003
11:40:33
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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I own a beta...good analogy though LOL. It still works too. about 20+ years later. I've gone through more than 4 VHS's in that time period.
All i'm sayin is that I'd like to have the option. Even if suspension and brake modifications were needed. It'd be part of the whole package.
As far as marketing goes. I guess we'll see what happens when the Jeep Liberty gets a diesel next year. I wonder if they can pull it of too.
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Brett
Dodge Dakota
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8/07/2003
13:40:59
|  RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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Well, I'm not one that needs to tow heavy loads all the time but I would love a new tech diesel in the Dakota. The quad cab has more then enough weight to it so slap on 17" rims for bigger disk clearance and give me a diesel. I'd love to get 24+ mpg with my truck unloaded going to work and back every day. Then when I need to pull the big loads it would be ready to go.
I'll take one DC, are you listening????
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stealwings582
GenIII
8/07/2003
15:51:38
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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Don't know if this is true but from what I hear you can buy a diesel Dakota in Mexico. I think theres a few threads on here about it.
Wouldn't want any other!
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STS
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/07/2003
17:44:21
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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@Jason B.
If they can market the truck just right and fuel prices jump up to 1.85 a gallon Avg. Then there might be a market of a Diesal dakota. Hopfully Chrysler will use the smaller 3.9L I6 Cummins diesal. And Hook it up to the 5-45 RFE transmission.
Also I own a 94 Dakota and it's got a 318 Motor with 170 K miles on it. I can tell you that it doesn't care how many miles on it. Unlike some GM and Ford Engines. I just don't like the auto (46RH). the 1st and 2nd gear % is just to high
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Demon Dakota
DakotaEnthusiast
8/07/2003
19:17:19
| RE: Say Bye Bye to 3.9's and R/T's
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I'm sure they will make the R/T again when the new body Dakota is produced. It might not be in 2005, but perhaps in 2006 (although I hope for the 2005 model). And I do hope they bring the delta diesel to the Dakota and Liberty. That would be an amazing vehicle.
K&N Drop in AF (CAI during summer months)
True Dual exhaust and removed third cat
HO Cams & HO Intake
FASTMAN 70mm TB
Autolite 3923 Plugs
TPS @ .76 VDC
IAT Adjuster Mod
14.52@94.2 MPH at Silver Dollar Raceway
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Tim CH
R/T
8/08/2003
05:07:20
| RE: diesels can be very cool :-)
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http://www.bankspower.com
Tim
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