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Shaun
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2004
15:27:22
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 Subject: factory service manual?
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Message:
ok, i Reaally want to try to do some of my own maintenance on my dak. but i'm a mechanical noob. i've looked through both the haynes and the chiltons manuals, and they are definately not helpful to me. i hate to mailorder a factory manual for so much money, one that i'm not able to look thru first. do you guys think it will help me? or should i give up my dream of independence from my dealer?
thanks,
Shaun
'99 dak, 3.9 auto, cc
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99DAK
Dodge Dakota
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3/11/2004
23:39:56
| RE: factory service manual?
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Message:
IMO the FSM is worth every penny. I've had them for the last 3 vehicles I've owned and it's saved me thousands. Only one possible drawback is the newer manuals seem to have less emphasis on troubleshooting/diagnostics than they used to. However, even if you only do some of your own repairs it will definitely pay for itself many times over.
BTW, I have the same truck as you, with 3.55 gears.
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another mark
Dodge Dakota
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3/12/2004
00:18:17
| RE: factory service manual?
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Message:
The big question is why aren't the other manuals helpful to you?
The FSM may not be either or it may, hard to tell without more
info. As someone who has the Haynes and the FSM the Haynes
definitely has its weak points and leaves info out. The FSM is
outstanding and very detailed. I use it alot doing my own work
on the truck.
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olsarge
Dodge Dakota
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3/12/2004
00:19:07
| RE: factory service manual?
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Message:
I use both the FSM and aftermarket. I've found that USUALLY the Haynes or Chilton is easier to understand and follow than the FSM. BUT they don't always cover everything the FSM does.
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Find it
Dodge Dakota
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3/12/2004
00:47:50
| RE: factory service manual?
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Message:
Ebay has them all for cheap...check it out
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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3/12/2004
10:47:35
| RE: factory service manual?
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Message:
Haynes and Chiltons manuals are OK for basic information. But they assume that you already have significant mechanical knowledge. They also provide limited information on some procedures, and don't cover others at all.
The FSM covers every service and repair procedure in exact detail with lots of diagrams. It also explains how things work, and how to trouble shoot them when they don't. That's pretty important information. Especially if you want to modify for more power or drivability.
This is another example of getting what you pay for.
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