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nugsfan
Dodge Dakota
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1/31/2006
02:15:33
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 Subject: Dakota or Ram?
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OK I am in the market for a new Truck as I am getting ready to come back from overseas, Weighing the Pro's/Cons of the Dak vs the Ram. The truck would be my everyday driver, might occasionally pull a small pop-up camper and for making supply runs to the home depot. The dak seems to be the better choice for a daily driver but I can get a base ram for a pretty close price. The Dak seems like plenty of truck for what I want to do with it but I keep bumping my head against the "I could have a fullsize for the same price argument". Appreciate the thoughts/insights.
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8banger
GenIII
1/31/2006
02:28:31
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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If you buy a Ram, get the Hemi. My buddy has a QC Hemi and it gets similar MPG(about1 mpg less) to my Dak and it has 100 more HP. I am really impressed with the Hemi and wish they'd make a Hemi Dak.
I wish I had good things to say about the new Dakotas, but I think they are as ugly as sin. If you get a Dakota, go for an 03/04 model.
my .02
03 Dakota 4X4 QC SportPlus 4.7L 3.55 LSD AWD
Superchipped, 2Chamber Flowmaster Dumped, K&N Drop-in, 2" Torsion/Blocks Lift
BFG AT/KO's 265/75/16
My 4X4's Baptism
65 Stang
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CJ
Dodge Dakota
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1/31/2006
03:38:00
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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100 percent agree with 8 banger...
I'd also get a 2500 Ram if ur getting a 4x4, if you can...
I hate IFS systems in full size trucks... you can get away with it in
dak (even though my IFS sucks)... but not a full size... like chevy
has done, haha
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Dark Jedi
Dodge Dakota
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1/31/2006
03:52:41
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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if your not going to do heavy towing. then go with the Dakota. don't settle with a base model ram when you can get more bells and whistles with the Dakota. also if you do a lot of real heavy towing. then get the turbo diesel engine RAM. I am happy with my Dakota 4.7. DO NOT GET THE 4.7 RAM. knew a guy that had one and he said it was so slow due to the size of the ram. he said it would be like having a 4 banger in a new Dakota (it was 03 at the time.) on my 4x4 QC I can tow up to like 5000 LB. not bad as I don't do towing that much. but if I did I know I can do it with no prob.
I will say in a way get what you want. if you really like the ram over the Dakota. then get the ram but don't skimp on what you want. you will regret it.
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nugsfan
Dodge Dakota
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1/31/2006
05:11:13
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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Heres the thing, It will be time to replace the wifes minivan at the same time so I have a pretty strict limit on what I can spend on my ride. I dont like the styling of the new Dak's (or rams)all that much but quite frankly there isnt enough of a drop off in price to justify buying a used 03/04. As much as I would love a Ram with a Hemi I have to leave that idea in dreamland and get back to my reality which is this, does a new Dak with the 8 cyl, tow package, 4x2 beat a base ram with the magnum v8? For my use either truck would be a daily driver, occasionally required to tow light loads, haul a few things around etc. Neither would be used for off roading or as a heavy duty work truck. The one concern I have about the Dak is they seem to have more "issues" than the ram from everything I have seen/read. Thanks for the input/advice!
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RadioMan
Dodge Dakota
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1/31/2006
08:23:49
|  RE: Dakota or Ram?
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I've owned both over the years. Both the Ram and
Dakota are great trucks!
Right now I own a 02 Dakota with the 4.7 auto and
the factory tow package. The 4.7 has plenty of
power to pull my 26' travel trailor down I75 at
70+ MPH with the OD turned off.
The Hemi Ram is a great package BUT you push on
it a little and it's a gas hog. Are you ready for
that with gas prices going through the roof? My
last Ram had the 360. I was glad to unload it.
One other thing I dislike DC for doing. The Ram
can no longer be bought with the extended cab.
It's a standard or four door. So if and when I
ever want a full sized truck again, it will NOT
be a Ram.
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jayb
Dodge Dakota
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1/31/2006
15:29:39
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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if i was gonna get a ram, it would only be the hemi or cummins, and probably standard cab.
my dak pulls my 30' trailer that weighs 6k with no problem.
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Kowalski
GenIII
1/31/2006
18:09:27
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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The Dak is easier to park; and gets better milage with a better power/weight ratio. Plus I had a better weight rating on the front end for the plow - the 1/2 ton full size wasn't rated as tough when I bought. Tows well too. If the Dak is big enough for you, I wouldn't consider full size.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way
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Super bee
GenI
1/31/2006
18:54:20
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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i have both, and the dakota is MUCH more fun to drive, why i dont know, more nimble maybe? samller with almsot the same power as my ram
i dont know
but they are 1990 318 regular cab short box and a 2001 Ram QC short box 360
1990 sport RC SB, 1995 318drivetrain, 3.92 gears (came with truck) 95 dash/steering wheel, hearthrob exhaust, headers, cutout after y-pipe, necessary electric fan add-a-leafs, 30x9.5 mud tires, cranked T-bars, AR 39 15x8 rims, grill guard, roll bars
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steve o
Dodge Dakota
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1/31/2006
19:18:13
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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What did you expect man you are on a dakota site. Most of us love the dakota and you must be leaning this way or else you wouldn't be on this site. Most will advocate for 2004 or earlier due to design. But if you want "new" you have the option of the 4.7 HO which is nice. Definatly get an 8 or you'll regret it. I had a 3.9 before my 4.7 the 8 is the only way to go.
03 4.7 sportplus cc auto 4x4 with airaid intake, tbspacer, DM ultra flow, superchips.
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DrPepper
GenI
1/31/2006
21:55:20
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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It also has to fit in the Garage and if you work on it, room to jack it up or use stands. I have a neighbor across the street with a '05 Ram QC that barely fits his garage. My '03 QC is long, but fits my garage nice and I can work on it in comfort. 5 passengers in comfort and 1/2 yard of fertilizer,= nice truck.
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OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
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1/31/2006
23:35:23
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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The bottom line is the true answer. If you DO NOT buy what you really want equiped the way you want it right to the last item, you will never be happy with it. Think hard on this one. Once you do buy your stuck for a long time.
So many problems .... So little time
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ExDakota
Dodge Dakota
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2/01/2006
12:48:47
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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Nugsfan, watch for the hemi Rams on advertised specials. I would guess that your in Colorado? Most of these dealerships have more Hemi Ram 1500s than they know what to do with. Then go in within the last day or 2 of the month. Then try for the Ram.
I would definitely take the Ram over the Dakota. It is a nicer looking truck (since the Dakota bodystyle change) and it seems like the build quality is better on the Ram. I would bet that the gas mileage isn't all that different either.
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jayb
Dodge Dakota
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2/01/2006
13:23:51
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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the mileage isnt much worse. 1mpg is what i heard. plus those things haul azz, and and pull a house down. if i were gonna get a brand new truck, the hemi 1500 4x4 is the way id go.
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nugsfan1
Dodge Dakota
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2/01/2006
14:06:27
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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ExDakota your right that I will be in colorado (overseas at the moment). steve o, while I certainly expect the glowing reviews as well as the bashers on this site I appreciate the input! I have been leaning Dakota for some time, then the body style changes, eliminating the regular cab and pricing it higher (really putting it in Ram pricerange which I always hoped to avoid by buying Dakota) had given me second thoughts. Because of my unique situation I will be ordering a vehicle (two actually because I will be ordering the wifes van as well) through the military car sales program, taking delivery stateside. Doing it that way I know what I am getting with the van, less sure on the truck which is why I have been doing so much research. Your right in that I plan on keeping both vehicles for several years and its best to buy the one that Ill be happiest with. Thanks again for the input!
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95to03
Dodge Dakota
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2/01/2006
19:03:08
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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The big choice is new body style or worse gas mileage. The one thing is see if the new hemi with cyclinder shut off is availible yet. And if so what the rating is. My '03 quad 4*2 gets 17 with mixed driving. Not bad for 4.7. Think of this also, bigger truck weighs more, through hills use more gas. Bigger tires cost more to replace. If keeping for long time $'s add up.
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FloriDak
Dodge Dakota
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2/03/2006
13:32:28
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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Nugs, I have a 97 Dakota extended cab with the 318v8 and like it a lot. I've also had full-size 1/2 ton chevy pickups in the past. The Dakota can haul pretty much anything the full-size did in the bed. The only difference is the Full-size was more stable and stopped better towing with the REALLY heavy stuff. A pop-up camper will be fine with the Dakota and you will hardly know it's there.
I towed a full size pickup on a tow dolly with the dakota.. the truck in tow must have weighed a good 5000lbs give or take. The Dakota definitely towed it, but it was a white knuckle ride all the way
1997 Dakota Extended Cab
318v8 4x4
Dual Flowmaster Exhaust
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jayb
Dodge Dakota
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2/06/2006
15:43:09
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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my 93 v8 4x4 pulls my 6k travel trailer no problem.
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toolfan
GenIII
2/06/2006
19:00:48
|  RE: Dakota or Ram?
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what makes you so sure you want a dodge truck? what about the new nissan frontier or toyota tacoma or chevy colorado. i havnt heard anything good about the new dakota. the ram is a great truck and i dont think i have heard anything bad about it. good luck with your pick but there is alot of good trucks out there. i bet the new dakota can tow the most in its size group but i doubt it is the best quilty or price.
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QuadCabCreig
Gen I
2/07/2006
12:52:48
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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toolfan - I like the new Nissan Frontier but a Chevy Colorado?? They are overpriced and the biggest engine you can get is a 5 cylinder. I don't understand paying $30K plus for a 5 cylinder.
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toolfan
GenIII
2/07/2006
22:08:24
| RE: Dakota or Ram?
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yeah i was just wondering why he wasnt looking at any other brands. i think that the colorado needs a v8. if that truck came with the 4.8 or 5.3 than that would motivate DC to put the hemi in the dakota.
welcome QuadCabCreig
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