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3rdDakLastDak
Dodge Dakota
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11/02/2003
00:28:42
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 Subject: Rear End Question
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Message:
Since I'm going to be stuck with this big blue lemon for another year, at least, I have a question for what to do for my rear end.
It seems to me that my left side back wheel NEVER spins. Slightly damp pavement, sand, etc., and I just sit and EAT that right side one to death. This sometimes makes getting "our" butt out of the way a problem!
Last winter, I sat for 10 minutes spinning with the left wheel on DRY road while the other just spun and spun and spun. Get out, dig, spin, dig, spin, etc.
My question is, what are my chances of finding a shop, other than the dealer, who will break the rear end open and make it a full time posi? With whom should I consult, as far as type of shop/service? I had this done to my 93, but the poor fellow died a couple of years ago! And I am NOT a welder.
Thanks in advance. I know it would invalidate the warranty on the rear end, but seeing as how my warranties are NOT being honored anyway, it's a moot point.
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mikeb
Dodge Dakota
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11/02/2003
01:00:37
|  RE: Rear End Question
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Any decent speed or off-road shop should be able to either do the work for you or recommend someone that can. Make sure they know what they're doing though, as a poor gear job will self destruct in short order. One thing you want to think about if you get serious about this is that this is also a golden opportunity to have your gear ratio changed for just the cost of parts (since they have to rip it apart anyway.) If you have the desire for such a change, that is. Good luck!
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3rdDakLastDak
Dodge Dakota
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11/02/2003
11:29:03
| RE: Rear End Question
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Message:
Thanks, Mike.
I will keep this in mind.
I'll admit, I don't know much about gear ratios. When I ordered the truck, I knew that it they didn't have REAL posi's anymore, so I didn't specify any kind of rear end specs.
Probably the only kind word I have for this truck is that it gets 24 mpg (v6) on the highway and consistently 19-20 in town, so there must be something right about the ratio.
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mikeb
Dodge Dakota
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11/02/2003
14:13:44
| RE: Rear End Question
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Message:
The biggest two reasons people change gears (imo) is for better gas mileage (lower number) or better towing ability (higher number.) If you're not looking for towing power then you've already got great gas mileage and are geared right where you want to be. Pick up an issue of Off-Road or 4 Wheeling magazine, there's usually plenty of ads in them and you can get a good idea about what your posi options are and what parts should cost.
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Demon Dakota
DakotaEnthusiast
11/02/2003
17:09:47
| RE: Rear End Question
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Message:
The stock Dodge LSD unit is a real "posi"...Posi is just the name GM gave their LSD unit. The stock Dodge LSD is relatively weak, but it serves it's purpose well on a stock truck. When you start modding and gaining significant power, then it's time for an upgrade to a stronger unit.
True Dual exhaust and removed third cat
HO Cams & HO Intake
FASTMAN 70mm TB
Autolite 3923 Plugs
TPS @ .76 VDC
IAT Adjuster Mod
Custom tranny VB Mod
Demon long tube headers
Ported/polished heads w/ 1.92" Intake/1.60" Exhaust Valves
One dead stock LSD unit (POS...)
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exarmy
Dodge Dakota
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11/02/2003
20:25:48
| RE: Rear End Question
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Message:
hey demon, can you tell me more about the lsd posi and also how you did the dual exhaust, the exhaust sensors are in the front and back of the catalytic converter. wont that cause your check engine light to stay on?thanks
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Demon Dakota
DakotaEnthusiast
11/02/2003
21:57:11
| RE: Rear End Question
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Message:
My original dual exhaust was custom fabricated by removing the stock Y pipe and the third catalytic convertor. The third cat does not have O2 sensors on it. I still have precats, but they are currently attached to my headers, and the O2 sensors occupy (roughly) the same position in the exhaust stream as the stock setup. The exhaust runs down the right side of the truck and exits the rear around the spare, although I plan on changing that routing to a right side exit this month.
The stock LSD (if your truck came with one) will be fine until at least 210-220 RWHP, but after that, I believe it will die a tragic death. I still haven't even had time to research what kind of LSD unit I am going to use to replace it...all I know is it will be something better!
True Dual exhaust and removed third cat
HO Cams & HO Intake
FASTMAN 70mm TB
Autolite 3923 Plugs
TPS @ .76 VDC
IAT Adjuster Mod
Custom tranny VB Mod
Demon long tube headers
Ported/polished heads w/ 1.92" Intake/1.60" Exhaust Valves
One dead stock LSD unit (POS...)
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endzone
Dodge Dakota
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11/03/2003
00:50:36
| RE: Rear End Question
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Message:
3rddaklastdak , 1 tire is spinning because you obviously don't have a limited slip diff, but I just have to ask what does being a welder have to do with putting in a posi unit?
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MD
Dodge Dakota
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11/04/2003
09:08:30
| RE: Rear End Question
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Message:
DemonDak is right on the money with his information on this subject. My 2000 4.7 came with 3.55's and no positraction, or as Dodge refers to it, no Dana Trac-Loc. There are stronger units, but for most applications the Trac-Loc is fine.
If you shop the internet you can find a new Trac-Lock unit for about $150 - same unit the dealer will sell to you for $600.
I had it installed at the same time my 4.10 gears went in.
Good luck.
MD
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Mr.H
Dodge Dakota
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11/04/2003
09:27:26
|  RE: Rear End Question
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Message:
Well, for what it's worth, I bought a re-built Trac-lok for $75 + shipping off Ebay and installed it myself and am I ever glad I did. I had the same prob. with the 4.7 5 spd and could never race anyone for the one-wheel-wonder, but after I installed it I beat a new 5 spd Mustang GT! Ta-da!!! Cheap traction, now it's my right that hooks before the left does, and as for the labor, well, I had to custom fab the preload tools with about $17 worth of materials and used a big Tq. wrench to preload the diff. bearings.
It was more time intensive than difficult, and I did it mid-summer while under the influence of FOOD-POISONING!!!! So surely you can do it. Email me with any questions on the process and I can give you some links that show the step by step process. If you want to change gears, your best bet may however be to take it to someone, but if you keep the same gearset you won't have to mess with pinion depth, that would take forever your first time!!!!
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cms
Dodge Dakota
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10/24/2010
10:52:34
| New Rear End Question
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Message:
I have a quick question about the rear end in my 03'
4.7 4wd 4 door dodge dakota. It sounds like a may
need a new rear end. i was wondering if anyone knows
the gear ratio for a stock 03' dodge dakota. im just
not sure what to get for a rear end if that seems to
be the problem.
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
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10/25/2010
13:28:24
| RE: Rear End Question
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Message:
Try looking at the sticker on the inside of the glovebox door. It should have the type rear end, either open or Anti spin and the gear ratio.
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