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justin
Dodge Dakota
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9/15/2004
10:27:58
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 Subject: I'm buying a Dakota
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Hi, I'm shopping around for a Dakota (probably 2000 to 2003) 2 wheel drive, and have some questions:
Tow package - Do they adjust the gear ratio for more power but a decrease in MPG? For occasional towing, say up to 3000 pounds, will I do just as well adding a hitch after the purchase?
The 4.7 L seems like a pretty good way to go. How does it compare to the 3.9 magnum in both power and MPG.
Any other insights for a new buyer would be appreciated.
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99bludak
Dodge Dakota
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9/15/2004
10:31:18
|  RE: I'm buying a Dakota
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If you are going to be towing 3000# then get the 4.7. The 3.9 is not a good choice for that application. The gas mileage on the 4.7 is just about like any other V8, stay out of it and you can get decent mileage. I would just add the hitch after you buy it unless you find one that you really like that has the tow package. They probably won't charge you any more $$ for one with the tow package on a used Dak. The aftermarket hitch will run you about $100, so not bad if you want to do it yourself. Hope that helps.
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Kowalski
GenIII
9/15/2004
16:10:12
| RE: I'm buying a Dakota
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Tow package doesn't include different gaears, but includes a transmission cooler and a wiring pigtail that makes it easier to add a brake controler for the trailer - both good ideas.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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Noltz
Dodge Dakota
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9/15/2004
17:27:05
| RE: I'm buying a Dakota
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Tranny coolers can be added for about $100 aftermarket, hitches for another $100, so don't let that make or break your deal.
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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9/16/2004
02:00:17
| RE: I'm buying a Dakota
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A 3.9 with a 5 speed stick, 3.90 or up gears will tow 3,000# just fine. Been there, done that. For occasional towing it won't be a problem. Add an auto trans, or shorter gears, and it gets a little tougher. Still OK for occasional use, though, as long as you take it easy. You'd be surprised how little equipment you need to tow something as long as your expectations are reasonable.
You can always change rear end gearing for about $250'ish.
The factory towing package includes the hitch, wiring harness at the tail, wiring harness under the dash, a HD flasher, and an auto trans cooler. I think you also must order the HD Service Group with the tow group. That includes a big battery, a big alternator, and HD cooling. All these things are easy enough to install as aftermarket parts, so don't let them break the deal. And you probably don't need the HD service group for light duty occasional towing anyway.
As for the old V6 vs. V8 argument, I think unless you get the 5 speed manual behind the V6, you'll find very little differance in fuel mileage. So you might as well get the V8.
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TexasTodd
Dodge Dakota
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9/16/2004
13:55:05
| RE: I'm buying a Dakota
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.boB,
Well said.
I got the factory 'stuff', and really like it, including the 4.7, with the tranny you have to shift.
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Kowalski
GenIII
9/16/2004
15:23:07
| RE: I'm buying a Dakota
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Factory tow package does not include the hitch; only the receiver.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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