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David
Dodge Dakota
6/14/2001
08:41:16
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 Subject: "Newbie" Truck Owner
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Hello to all…
First, I wanted to say that I have found this website to be extremely informative and educational. Being a first-time truck and Dodge Dakota owner, I’ve been scouring the Web in search of sites that could help me become a little more familiar and comfortable with my truck and this website has been the most helpful to me. I would most appreciate it if I can have all of your thoughts and opinions on some of my questions and comments.
I just purchased my 2000 Dakota Club SLT 3.9L (auto trans, completely powered, 265/55 wheels and tonneau cover) this Monday and have been driving it as much as possible to get used to it. I’m no wimp, but this is awfully big vehicle for a person accustomed to a Ford Taurus and Chevy Cavalier. It’s going to take some time before I get completely comfortable with it, especially backing out of slim driveways and maneuvering in parking lots.
I have so many comments and questions to all of you that I think it best just to write them out in a list in no particular order. I would be extremely grateful if some of you could take the time to respond to this long post, with my apologies for the length. Since I’m a “newbie” truck owner, I sorely need your comments, opinions and advice:
-- The engine: I’ve read through the debates here in regards to the worthiness of the 3.9L V6. My observation about this engine is that it’s an adequate power plant, but not one that makes you completely confident in certain road maneuvers. I have found in the short time that I have driven the truck that the 3.9L has difficulty below 2000 RPM, but I think a lot of that has to do with the automatic transmission, which wants to go up to “passing gear” almost immediately below that RPM range. If my wife would have been a little more adventurous, I would have insisted on a stick, as I think the V6 would appreciate it more. I try to keep the truck out of overdrive in the city. This gives the truck more power and quickness, in my opinion. Generally speaking, the 3.9L is not a “dog”, but it certainly lacks the power and quickness of a bigger engine. Nevertheless, I think it works for some people and I’m pretty pleased. Any thoughts?
-- The interior: Very, very roomy. I’m 6’3” and I can outstretch my legs completely. However, the seats are quite crappy and a bit uncomfortable. The driver’s side seat has some kind of ridge that presses up against the pit of my back. The stereo is placed in a very awkward place. You have to stretch to get to the controls. The back seat is roomy enough for my stepson and one of his friends, so I am very pleased about that.
-- The ride: I love the ride. Firm and responsive. It’s no Cadillac, but that’s what I like about it. The truck came equipped with Goodyear LS 265/55/15 tires and although I have heard some negative comments about the Goodyear tire, I am very pleased with this set. What would all of you recommend when the time comes that I need to replace these tires?
-- The tonneau cover: A very nice addition that I know is saving me on gas mileage, but it has its negatives. I know this thing has to come off somehow, because I know there will be times when I need the vertical space that the cover restricts. It’s labeled “LoRider”…Does anyone here own one of these covers and can tell me how I can remove/reinstall it?
-- This truck was made in Canada. Any thoughts on Canadian quality? I do know this truck was being used by a rental company in Canada (I found a Canadian registration which listed the owner). I’m somewhat concerned by that, but I got a good deal on an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty up to 100,000 miles, and it appears that the truck was treated pretty well, though I do see some signs of abnormal wear (more on that below).
-- I took a very close look at the truck last night. I crawled underneath and noticed some definite surface rust on the leaf springs. I suspect that the Canadian winter had something to do with that. Is there a rust-inhibitor product out there that I can spray on the springs to protect the metal? Are the exhaust systems on the Dakota stainless steel? Other than that, the underneath looked fine. The drive shaft resembled a telephone pole! I’ve never seen such a big drive shaft in my life! The oil filter has got to be in one of the worse places I have ever seen—not to be reached from above—and requiring that my old 40-year-old body crawl underneath in weird and unusual angles to reach. My first oil change comes this weekend. Can’t wait for that!
-- I was a little disappointed in what turned out to be a plastic front grill. Certainly the “Ram” look makes this one of the most attractive trucks around, but I was a little taken aback that it was not chrome but plastic. However, I do realize a need to keep the weight down on these trucks and this compromise helps in the mpg bottom line.
-- About the engine and getting more power out of it. I know this has been talked about a lot here, so my apologies for asking an often asked question. Now I am certainly a novice mechanic, so what can someone like me do to improve the HP of this engine? And what would be the cost of modifying it to squeeze out as much HP as possible. I would certainly appreciate all of your thoughts on this.
-- What do you folks recommend in regards to protecting the body from the inevitable debris of everyday driving. Do the members here think a hood deflector shield is a good idea? Light protectors?
Well, I think that is enough for one post! Again, my apologies. I thank you all for taking the time to read and respond to this post. I’m looking forward to sticking around on this website to learn a lot more from the more experienced truck and Dakota owners resident on this website.
Thanks again!
David
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andrew
Dodge Dakota
6/14/2001
10:46:25
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Come on 3.9 guys, help him out:)
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Mar
Dodge Dakota
6/14/2001
10:59:09
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For one. Goodyear tires are the best.
Two in order to get used to driving your truck you have to see what its limits are. Dont just drive ATTACK. Do a sharp turn until the tires squeel. You have to see what it will do. If you dont you will be afraid of rolling and will never operate the truck at the level it can be operated at. As for the engine get a cold air induction by K&N it will give you more power and fuel economy. But it will take time. My advice is to go into the contry find a gravle road and just bomb though it SAFTLY. That is where i learned how to drive a truck.
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David
Dodge Dakota
6/14/2001
13:34:45
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Thank so much for the reply...I do plan on finding that appropriate gravel road and having some fun...
In regards to Goodyear, I have always loved the tire. I had 2 sports cars which I always fitted with Goodyear high performance tires and was completely satisfied.
You mention the K&N cold air induction as a means of increasing both HP and mpg. I went to the website but couldn't seem to find a reference for this. Can you direct me?
Thanks,
David
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Mar
Dodge Dakota
6/14/2001
14:24:19
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Finnally someone who likes goodyear. You are rare but your judgement is right on.
As for the K&N It is really called a Fuel injection performence kit or (FIPK) i dont think K&N makes one for your vehical now that i think about it but you can go to your dodge parts counter and they will either have a mopar preformace air intake or will sell you a K&N if they make one. which are both really simular and will give you the same benifits.
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David
Dodge Dakota
6/14/2001
14:29:45
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Yeah, I noticed that they didn't make the FIPK for the '00 3.9L...What's the approximate cost on the Mopar kit, and can a novice like myself install it? Also, will this kind of mod require that I change anything else, say like the exhaust system, or would I be okay with the FIPK on other stock items?
David
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Harvey
Dodge Dakota
6/14/2001
14:38:40
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David,
There are some threads in the Performance Message boards. Check them out. Look at www.speedtweaks.net Bernd owns this site and is the guru on 3.9L V6 performance. The K&N FIPK GenII is listed for 5.2/5.9 V8s. This will fit your truck. If you have cruise control, you will have to do some mods to the heat shield. I have a Volant system which also needed muscle to bend the brackets into place, but accommodated the cruise control. Cold air intakes help the engine breath. Your engine is basically air pump so getting air in & out efficiently helps HP (air intakes or K&N drop in, V8 throttle body, and performance exhaust). Since you bought the truck used and I guess with some miles, tuning her up is not a bad idea. Go with autolites 3923s spark plugs, brass contact Cap and Rotor (I used NAPA) and maybe new spark plug wires.
Getting used to driving a truck isn't that bad. I used to drive a '84 toyota celica and still '94 mazda 626. I still have problems backing up but still learning. Use all your mirrors. Just remember its a truck and not sports car so super sharp turns unless you trick the suspension.
The tonneau cover, I image, is fasten with snaps. I have a Downey SST snapless. Same concept but not restricted to stationary snaps. Just unsnap it. The support rails should pop out. I'm not sure about the back tailgate rail. All manufacturers are alittle different. Mine just slides off after I unsnap the cover off of it. some screwed into the two side rails. Sorry I couldn't be much help here. I hope some of this info helps.
'01 QC sport, 3.9L v6, 5spd, 2wd, Volant intake, gibson exhaust, MSD wires, accel super coil
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David
Dodge Dakota
6/14/2001
14:57:54
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Harvey,
Thanks so much for all the time you took in putting together that post. I really do appreciate it.
Now in line with our discussion about air intake, I wanted to get yours and Mar's opinion on the Mopar or K&N FIPK and the Airaid intake kit...what's the difference in the two and what do you both recommend...Is one installation easier than the other?
I can't thank you guys enough. I'm printing this page because I have found your suggestions to be things I am going to refer back to as I begin my mods (which is, of course, always a "money permitting" thing)....
David
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Mar
Dodge Dakota
6/14/2001
15:27:21
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I have heard that K&N makes the mopar system I was told this from the parts counter but they are often wrong. But since there is no K&N for your truck i would recommend the mopar I dont know what it will cost my guess is $300.00 maybe more but from my experience you will make it up in saved gas and cleaning your filter. You also asked if you could put it together. I think yes. It is not hard and these kits normally come with really good instructions. I found the hardest part was taking the old stuff out which was still easy. You cant go wrong just make sure once everything is done that you dont have a crack at throttle body where the new intake meets it. It must seal up good otherwise it will suck dirt and dust. But i think anyone that can do an oil change can do this. It will take you from half an hour to an hour being your first time.
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David
Dodge Dakota
6/14/2001
15:38:49
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I was telling my wife that my hands were beginning to wring in excitement at all the things I can do to bring out more power in our Dakota. Of course, I ommitted the cost factor, something which I usually discuss with her "after" the purchase :-)
Mar, what about these Airaid systems? What's the advantages/disadvantges as opposed to the Mopar FIPK?
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Harvey
Dodge Dakota
6/14/2001
16:49:21
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David,
I believe the Mopar version is actually K&N FIPK GenII. Just restickered with a higher price. From what I gather about Airaid and K&N is that K&N has a heat shield that keeps the hot air from the engine compartmentaway from the filter. K&N is also plastic to reduce heat absorbtion. You may need to bend AC lines or make holes in the heat shield to accomodate them. Let's not forget the cruise control. I believe the K&N is CARB approved. K&N is more expensive ($230-$260). Airaid doesn't have a heat shield so when you are standing still, your engine sucks in hot air. Airaid's intake tube is, I think aluminum which can heat up. Airaid is not CARB approved. Airaid is cheaper (<$200)and probably easier to install. I guess both systems when your dak is moving are about the same. Of course the easest installation and cheapest is a K&N drop in filter (filtercharger is what they call it,$42-$60). This is what I gathered from reading alot of these posts. I don't owne either system. I'm sure people that do owne can correct anything if I said was wrong. I installed a Volant Cold air intake system (~$230. Check www.volantperformance.com They have a picture of the installation. This worked out well for me because I have cruise control unit in the way for K&N system. Remember 5.2/5.9L air systems will generally fit on your 3.9L. 4.7L is a different animal.
Removing the old air box was one or two bolts and two plastic caps or nuts. The last two was one inside the box andone outside. I tried unscrewing but got nowhere after a while and just yanked it off. They are just connected to studs in the fender.
Before you go crazy, try the basic tune up so your wife doesn't get upset. I have that same problem. It's hard explaining "I replacing brand new part". Take everything in stride.
harvey
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Mar
Dodge Dakota
6/14/2001
18:52:17
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Harvy is right but the one other diffrence is that the airaid uses the stock air hat which in my opinion is part of the problem it looks restrictive. The mopar one or k&N one are one peice and the inside is polished with some sort of ultra slip stuff. Go with the mopar. If they dont make one for the 3.9 ask them if the one for the 5.2 or 5.9 would. You might need to ask for 1999 not sure if they have one for 2000.
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durtydog
Dodge Dakota
6/14/2001
19:14:33
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never had a set of goodyears!they have to be good nascar cars keep going faster and faster each year because of the change that goodyear puts into there tires!they are allways trying to make them better!im driving on bfg all terrains now and i have to say got to love em!you wont hear me put down goodyear though!david welcome to the site!
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durtydog
Dodge Dakota
6/14/2001
19:15:31
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never had a set of goodyears!they have to be good nascar cars keep going faster and faster each year because of the change that goodyear puts into there tires!they are allways trying to make them better!im driving on bfg all terrains now and i have to say got to love em!you wont hear me put down goodyear though!david welcome to the site!
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David
Dodge Dakota
6/15/2001
08:16:43
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Once again, I can't thank you all enough for your comments.
A question to Harvey (to all): What does it mean that the intake system is CARB approved or not?
David
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Harvey
Dodge Dakota
6/15/2001
10:10:42
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David,
I had to think about this to provide the correct answer. I don't remember exactly what the CARB acronym means. In a nut shell, street legal. I remember reading about it from an post. I think it was Bernd that wrote it. Local emission laws vary from area to area and depending on how strict they are, will allow you to put on non street legal stuff. Most of the times you can put non CARB stuff and not affect emissions, just not legal. I'm sure someone can write a better explanation. CARB is a certification that manufacturers can apply for their parts. The only problem you will have is during inspection or if your caught visually. Sorry, I couldn't help you much here.
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David
Dodge Dakota
6/15/2001
10:22:19
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No prob, Harvey...I appreciate all of your responses...I found out the answer in the Performance BB...It's the California emmissions standard that CARB refers to...
David
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kraw
Dodge Dakota
6/15/2001
10:31:49
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I like goodyears, but I think they cost too much to replace!
As far as the K&N goes, doesn't the one for the 5.2 fit the 3.9?
If not, just make your own. Lots of people here have done this. I have. I have pics on my site too.
www.krawdaddy.net
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